Saturday, May 27, 2017

Abu Dhabi: A fine cap of Dh2,000 per worker has been put in place for incomplete work permit registration or late renewal to help companies which have accumulated fines get back on track, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) announced on Saturday.

Following the Cabinet’s recent decree, which overlooks labour affairs administrative fines and service charge fees, the MOHRE has reduced all fine amounts on work permits and labour contracts and put a ceiling of Dh2,000 in accumulated fines.

The new administrative fines decree states that the failure to provide the ministry with the worker’s contract of employment within a period not exceeding 60 days from the date of entry or the residence status modification date is fined Dh100 for each month of delay up to a maximum of Dh2,000. The previous fine was Dh500 for each month of delay without specifying a maximum limit.

Failure to renew work permits within a period not exceeding 60 days from the expiry date is charged at Dh200 per month up to a maximum of Dh2,000, while the previous fine was Dh500 for each month of delay without setting a maximum limit for the fine.

If an employer fails to provide the ministry with a mission work permit labour contract within a period of 30 days from the worker’s date of entry, the fine is Dh100 per day up to a maximum of Dh2,000. Previously, the fine was Dh100 per day but without a maximum limit.

Failure to renew the mission work permit labour contract within a period of seven days from the expiry date will see a fine of Dh100 per day up to a maximum of Dh2,000. The previous fine did not set a maximum limit.

Saif Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary for Human Resources Affairs at the ministry, said following the instructions of Saqr Ghobash Saeed Ghobash, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the ministry has readjusted internal arrangements to ease fines per labour card with capping sums at Dh2,000.

“The declaration suggests easing of procedures for all companies operating in the UAE. Therefore, all companies are required to use this opportunity and pay the proposed amount to operate lawfully.”

Al Suwaidi added, “We want to stop companies from accumulating more fines, and simply help them settle the dues and get them back on track.”

Staff Report

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