If you are employed in the UAE on a full-time basis with any company then the latter is bound by relevant laws to pay you monthly salaries on time. If the payments are getting delayed inordinately then you have several options in the labour laws of the country to legally get back your dues. But what about a freelancer, who is not on the payroll of a company? In such a scenario, does the freelancer get any assistance from the labour ministry of the country? This question might haunt the self-employed category of workers, who might be associated with several companies at a time without having a contractual obligation with any of these. So, is there any hope for such people?
Freelancers Come Under Several Provisions Of The UAE Laws
In the UAE, zillions of people are employed in several categories and irrespective of the nature of the employment, everyone has the right to get their dues on time. In case you possess the requisite freelance work permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (the ‘MOHRE’) you don’t have to worry at all. As a freelancer in the UAE, you are covered under the provisions of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relations (the ‘Employment Law’) and the Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 on the Implementation of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 pertaining to the Regulation of Employment Relations (the ‘Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022’).
The Definitions Of Freelance Permit
The freelance permit is considered a legitimate kind of work permit in the UAE and is covered under the Employment Law as well. As per Article 8 of Cabinet Resolution No.1 of 2022, it is explained as: “An independent and flexible work arrangement, whereby the natural person creates revenue by offering his services for a specified time or doing a work or providing a specific service, whether for individuals or establishments, whereas this natural person is in no way a worker for those individuals or establishments.”
Even in Article 6(1)(l) of the Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, the freelance work permit has been clearly stated as: “Subject to the provisions of Article (6) of the Decree-Law, the types of work permits shall be determined as follows:
Freelance permit: This is sanctioned to individuals wanting to undertake independent self-employment sans sponsorship by a specific organization or employer in the State and devoid of the condition of having a valid employment contract.”
Conclusion
Hence, if a freelancer experiences delays in getting payments, he or she can file a complaint against the employer with the MOHRE. After this, the law will take its course. Therefore, you need not worry if you are not on the payroll of a company or are working independently in the UAE as whatever is duly yours will eventually come to you.
