UAE – Employment law in the DIFC
This virtual course is for employers operating in the Dubai International Financial Centre ("DIFC") who should be mindful of ongoing legal developments and periodic updates to ensure compliance with evolving employment laws, promoting a balanced and harmonious employer-employee relationship.
Synopsis
Employment law in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is characterised by a pro-business regulatory environment, emphasising fairness and compliance. In the DIFC, employment relationships are primarily governed by the DIFC Employment Law (DIFC Law No. 2 of 2019), providing a robust framework for employment contracts, anti-discrimination measures, and dispute resolution. The DIFC prioritizes flexibility in employment relationships and encourages alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. Employers in the DIFC should be mindful of ongoing legal developments and periodic updates to ensure compliance with evolving employment laws, promoting a balanced and harmonious employer-employee relationship. This course does not address the federal labour law in the United Arab Emirates or employment regulations in the ADGM. If you wish to gain an understanding of the federal labour laws which apply onshore in the UAE or within the ADGM, see our dedicated courses, Employment law in the United Arab Emirates or UAE - Employment law in the ADGM.
Who should attend
This DIFC employment law virtual training course is relevant to DIFC regional HR managers and international HR managers or directors with responsibility for employees in this free zone. It will also be useful to managers and directors who anticipate entering this market and who need to be aware of their responsibilities to their people. A prior knowledge of employment law in this free zone is not required to attend this course.
Programme
The employment law landscape in the DIFC
- framework and structure
- differentiating the legal jurisdictions & their implications for employment law
Recruitment
- background checks
- immigration
Contracts of employment
- mandatory requirements
- choice of law
Key statutory provisions
- probation
- term and notice
- pay, allowances, deductions
- leave entitlements
- working hours and overtime
- entitlements on termination
- non-compete
Employee benefits
- structuring employee benefit packages in line with DIFC standards
Disciplinary matters
- statutory requirements
- additional considerations
- practical guidance
Termination of employment
- process
- risk
- additional considerations
Discrimination and harassment
- protected characteristics
- harassment
- penalties
Dispute resolution
- navigating the labour dispute resolution process in the DIFC
Key contacts
Lisa Bryson Partner
M: +971 5668 16410 E: LisaBryson@eversheds-sutherland.com
Corrine Sobers Principal Associate
M: +974 5048 2603 E: corrinesobers@eversheds-sutherland.com
If your organisation is currently responsible for employees in global jurisdictions, or it is considering establishing operations overseas, it is essential that you are aware of the local employment laws and HR best practice. Eversheds Sutherland offers a range of global employment law courses. These courses provide you with the opportunity to learn from experts and from peers who are encountering similar situations to themselves.
For information on any of our international employment law training courses, please contact us on +44 (0) 113 200 4040 or employmenttraining@eversheds-sutherland.com
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