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Article

17 Mar 2022

Author:
Keren Bobker, National (UAE)

UAE: New labour law in effect since Feb 2022 prohibits all forms of violence, incl. psychological, in the workplace

I have been with my company for three years. A new manager joined last year and it is clear that he does not like some of the employees. We have been on the receiving end of racist abuse, sexist suggestions and he shouts at us for no reason...

...No company should permit such behaviour and it is forbidden under the new UAE Labour Law, which came into effect on February 2, 2022.

Article 14 of the new law states: “Sexual harassment, bullying or any verbal, physical or psychological violence committed against the worker by the employer, his superiors at work, colleagues or the persons who work with him are prohibited.”

In addition, Article 4 of the law, which covers equality and discrimination, says: “Any discrimination on the basis of race, colour, sex, religion, national or social origin or disability, which would have the effect of nullifying or impairing equality of opportunity or prejudicing equal treatment in the employment, the maintenance of a job and the enjoyment of its benefits is prohibited.”

Firstly,...keep a record of all the harassment and bullying, documenting the specifics of each incident and the date. This can also be used to register a complaint in the workplace. Senior management or the owner should not permit such behaviour.

If there are no changes in the manager's behaviour or the company does not act, there are options. Legal advice can be sought, or CB can register a case with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.