Notice Period in UAE

What has started will come to an end, whether it is your school, college, life, or even your job. Unlike others, in a job, you have to serve a notice period. Every country has its own rules and regulations which every company has to follow regarding the notice period. In this blog, we will talk about the notice period in the UAE. We will go in-depth, unfolding every aspect of it in detail. If you are looking for authentic information, stick with us till the end!

Understanding The Notice Period In UAE

A notice period refers to a fixed amount of time mutually agreed between the employer and an employee that the employee will serve a specific time in the company before leaving the company. This will allow the employer to find a suitable replacement for your vacant position. This comes with terms and conditions, which are decided between both, the employee and the employer.

Standard Notice Period Duration

We will now look at the standard notice period duration for different kinds of employees. Below, we have divided it for you, have a look:

For Employees on Probation:

  • Typically shorter: Employees in the probationary period often serve shorter notice periods than after probation.
  • Common duration: 1-2 weeks.

Post-Probation Notice Period:

  • General rule: Generally, the standard notice period in the UAE after probation is of 30 days to 3 months.
  • Exceptions:
    • Higher management positions: The people in the higher management positions may need to serve a longer notice period. It is often specified in the contract that you sign.
    • Employees with specific skills or experience: Also, people with special skills or experience may need to serve longer notice periods to allow for replacement.

Senior Positions and Special Contracts:

  • Longer notice periods: If you are in a senior position or your contract has certain different clauses related to notice periods, you may need to serve longer notice periods.
  • Contractual terms: Make sure to read the terms at the time of signing the contract as the specific duration is generally mentioned in the employment contract.

What Are Various Kinds Of Notice Period Contracts?

Every notice period will differ from others because of different reasons like the nature of the company and specification of the contract. Below, we have bifurcated the three main types of notice period contracts, have a look:

Limited Contracts:

  • Specified Duration: At the beginning, everything is fixed between the employer and the employee, making it easy to determine the notice period. 
  • Notice Period: As mentioned above, the notice period is already decided and specified within the contract itself. 
  • General Rule: In case there is no mention of the notice period, it is assumed that the contract follows the general rule of having it of two weeks.

Unlimited Contracts:

  • Indefinite Duration: As the name suggests, these types of contracts generally do not have a fixed end date.
  • Notice Period: Generally, unlimited contracts have a notice period from 30 days to 3 months. However, this also varies on a number of factors such as the employee’s position, length of service, and other terms and conditions mentioned in the contract.

Part-Time and Temporary Contracts:

  • Notice Period: In case of the part-time or temporary contracts, the notice period always varies. It is possible that you may have to serve less than the standard two weeks, depending on the terms of the contract itself. These terms include:
  1. The length of the contract
  2. The nature of the work
  3. Any other specific provisions in the contract 

Serving The Notice Period

While serving the notice period in the UAE, the employee and the employer have certain legal compliance to fulfill. Let’s discuss those in detail:

Employer Responsibilities During The Notice Period

  • Payment of salary: It is essential for employers to continuously pay the salary of the employee during the notice period.
  • No retaliation: In no way an employer can take any retaliatory actions against the employee for resigning.
  • Provide necessary documents: When the employee leaves, it is the responsibility of the employers to provide the employee with necessary documents, such as employment certificates or salary slips.

Employee Rights And Obligations During The Notice Period

  • Right to work: It is essential for the employees to continue work and complete their assigned tasks and projects during their notice period. There may be an exception when no work during the notice period is agreed upon with the employer.
  • Right to receive salary and gratuity: As an employee, you are entitled to get your full salary during the notice period, along with any gratuity owed based on your tenure. To calculate your gratuity, you can use our Gratuity Calculator to estimate the amount you may receive.
  • No discrimination: If you find any kind of vengeance, discriminatory action, or harassment during your notice period, you can take legal action.

Conclusion

So, this was all about the notice period in the UAE. We have covered it all, from the standard notice period to various kinds of notice period contracts, and much more to help you understand the topic in detail. Hope, this information will be useful for you, and that you will share this information with anyone who needs to get the right information from an authentic source. See you in some other blog, with some other topic. Till then, take care and keep thriving!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • What is a notice period in the UAE?

    A notice period is the advance notice required before ending a job, allowing preparation for both parties.

  • What is the standard notice period for unlimited contracts?  

    Typically, the notice period for unlimited contracts in the UAE is 30 days.

  • How long is the notice period for limited contracts?  

    The notice period for limited contracts ranges from 30 days to 3 months.

  • Can the notice period be waived?  

    Yes, but only with mutual agreement between the employer and employee, documented in writing.

  • What is the notice period during probation?  

    During probation, the notice period is usually 14 days.

  • How does an employee work during the notice period?  

    Employees must continue their regular duties and maintain professionalism until their last day.

  • Do employees get paid during the notice period?  

    Yes, employees receive their regular salary and benefits during the notice period.

  • Can an employer terminate without notice during probation?  

    Yes, either party can terminate the contract without notice during probation.

  • What happens if an employee leaves without completing the notice period?  

    The employer may deduct the remaining notice period from the employee’s final pay.

  • Can an employer terminate a contract without notice for misconduct?  

    Yes, for serious misconduct like theft or fraud, an employer can terminate without notice.

Digital Marketer & Content Writer

Priya, a Digital Marketer and Content Writer with 4 years of experience, creates valuable guides for UAE expatriates at UAEFresher. A passionate traveler, she has visited the UAE numerous times, bringing her love for exploration into her informative content for newcomers and residents.

Leave a Comment