April 12, 2024

fficial Bahrain Labour Law, covering:   Bahrain’s labor laws, governed by Law No. 36 of 2012, protect worker rights and regulate employment conditions. The standard workweek is 48 hours, with overtime paid at 125%, increasing to 150% for night shifts. Employees receive 30 days of paid annual leave and 60 days of maternity leave, with 45 days fully paid. The Wage Protection System (WPS) ensures timely salary payments, and end-of-service benefits increase with years of service. Additionally, Bahrain allows expatriates more flexibility to change jobs without employer approval.    

Official Qatar Labour Law, covering: Qatar’s labor laws are governed by Law No. 14 of 2004 and subsequent amendments, ensuring worker rights and fair employment practices. Employment Contracts: All employees must have a written contract detailing job terms, salary, and benefits. Contracts must be in Arabic, with a copy given to the employee. Working Hours & Overtime: The standard workweek is 48 hours (8 hours per day, 6 days a week), reduced to 36 hours during Ramadan. Overtime pay is 125% of normal wages, and for night shifts, it’s 150%. Wages & Salary Protection: Employers must pay salaries through the Wage Protection System (WPS) to ensure timely payments. The minimum wage is QAR 1,000 per month, plus QAR 500 for accommodation and QAR 300 for food (if not provided by the employer). Leave & Holidays: Employees get 3 weeks of paid leave after one year of service and 4 weeks after five years. Maternity leave is 50 days (with full pay for employees with one year of service). End of Service Benefits: Employees who complete one year of service receive gratuity pay equal to at least three weeks’ wages per year of service.

Official Saudi Labour Law, covering:   Saudi Arabia’s labor laws, governed by the Saudi Labor Law (Royal Decree No. M/51 of 2005) and its amendments, regulate employment rights and obligations. Employment Contracts: Contracts must be in writing, specifying salary, job role, and conditions, with Arabic as the official language. Working Hours & Overtime: The standard workweek is 48 hours (8 hours per day, 6 days a week), reduced to 36 hours during Ramadan. Overtime is paid at 150% of the regular wage. Wages & Salary Protection: The Wage Protection System (WPS) ensures timely salary payments. There is no fixed minimum wage except for Saudi nationals, who must receive at least SAR 4,000 per month for Nitaqat compliance. Leave & Holidays: Employees receive 21 days of paid annual leave, increasing to 30 days after five years. Maternity leave is 10 weeks, and fathers get 3 days of paternity leave. End of Service Benefits (ESB): Employees get half a month’s salary per year for the first 5 years, and one full month’s salary per year thereafter as gratuity.

1. Employment Contracts All employees must have a written employment contract specifying job details, salary, and other conditions. Contracts are now limited-term (fixed), with a maximum duration of three years, renewable upon mutual agreement. 2. Working Hours & Overtime The standard workweek is 48 hours, with a maximum of 8 hours per day. Overtime pay is: 25% extra for regular overtime 50% extra for overtime between 10 PM – 4 AM (except for shift workers) 3. Wages & Salary Protection The Wages Protection System (WPS) ensures that salaries are paid on time. Employers must pay salaries through banks or financial institutions. Minimum wage: No fixed minimum wage, but employees must receive fair compensation as per the contract. 4. Leave & Holidays Annual Leave: 30 days after one year of service. 2 days per month if the service period is between 6 months and 1 year. Sick Leave: 90 days per year (first 15 days paid, next 30 half-paid, last 45 unpaid). Maternity Leave: 60 days (45 days fully paid + 15 days half-paid). Additional 45 unpaid days in case of medical complications. Paternity Leave: 5 paid days within 6 months of childbirth. Public Holidays: Employees are entitled to UAE national holidays with full pay. 5. End of Service Benefits & Gratuity Gratuity pay for employees completing 1+ years of service: 21 days of basic salary per year for the first 5 years. 30 days per year for each additional year. If an employee resigns before completing one year, they are not entitled to gratuity. 6. Termination & Resignation Employers must provide a notice period of 30–90 days for termination. Employees who resign must also serve a notice period as per the contract. 7. Visa & Work Permit Rules Expats must have a work permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). The employer is responsible for visa processing. Golden Visa options exist for skilled professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs.