Ajman Labour Law: Essential Guide for Job Seekers and Employees

Ajman, the smallest emirate in the UAE, has specific implementation mechanisms for federal labour laws along with some unique regulations. This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of Ajman's labour regulations, employee rights, dispute resolution processes, and essential information for anyone working or seeking employment in Ajman.

Ajman Labour Law Overview

Ajman follows the UAE Federal Labour Law (Federal Law No. 33 of 2021) while implementing specific procedures and services through the Ajman branch of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and other local authorities. With its growing business community and more affordable cost of living, Ajman has become an attractive employment destination.

Key Ajman Labour Authorities

  • Ajman MOHRE Branch: Primary authority for labour regulations and work permits
  • Ajman Courts - Labour Court: Handles unresolved labour disputes
  • Ajman Department of Economic Development (Ajman DED): Regulates business activities and licenses
  • Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (Ajman Branch): Manages employment visas and residency
  • Ajman Free Zone Authority: Manages employment in the free zone

Work Permits and Visas in Ajman

Employment Visa Process in Ajman

  1. Employer obtains entry permit approval from MOHRE and Immigration
  2. Employee enters Ajman on entry permit
  3. Employee undergoes medical examination at an Ajman medical center
  4. Employer processes Emirates ID application
  5. Employer obtains work permit and residence visa
  6. Employee obtains Emirates ID and labour card

Ajman-Specific Work Permit Types

  • Regular Work Permit: Standard permit for full-time employees (2-year validity)
  • Mission Work Permit: For temporary projects (up to 6 months)
  • Part-Time Work Permit: For employees working for multiple employers
  • Student Training and Employment Permit: For university students
  • Freelance Permit: Available through Ajman Free Zone

Ajman Free Zone Work Permits

The Ajman Free Zone offers specialized work permits with benefits including:

  • Streamlined visa processing (often faster than mainland)
  • Flexible employee sponsorship options
  • Various visa packages for different business types
  • Special freelance and entrepreneur permits
  • Remote work options for certain categories

Work permits and visas for free zone companies are processed by the Ajman Free Zone Authority rather than MOHRE.

Employment Contract Rules in Ajman

All employment relationships in Ajman must be documented through a contract that complies with UAE labour law. Key Ajman-specific aspects include:

Contract Authentication

  • Mainland Ajman employers must register employment contracts with MOHRE
  • Free zone employers register contracts with the Ajman Free Zone Authority
  • Contracts must be in both Arabic and English (Arabic prevails in case of disputes)
  • Digital contracts are recognized through the MOHRE smart services platform

Ajman-Specific Contract Considerations

  • Non-compete clauses are enforceable if reasonably limited in time and geographic scope
  • Probation periods cannot exceed six months
  • Ajman employers must provide health insurance to all employees
  • Housing allowances or employer-provided housing is common for certain job categories
  • Many Ajman employers provide transportation allowances due to commuting needs

Working Hours and Public Holidays in Ajman

Standard Working Hours

  • 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week for private sector employees
  • 7 hours per day or 35 hours per week for government employees
  • 6 hours per day during Ramadan for all Muslim employees
  • Most Ajman companies operate Sunday-Thursday with Friday-Saturday weekend
  • Some retail sectors operate different schedules with compensatory time off

Ajman Public Holidays

Ajman employees are entitled to paid leave during official public holidays, which include:

  • New Year's Day (January 1)
  • Eid Al Fitr (approximately 3 days)
  • Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha (approximately 3 days)
  • Islamic New Year
  • Prophet Mohammed's Birthday
  • Commemoration Day (December 1)
  • UAE National Day (December 2-3)

Dates for Islamic holidays are based on the Hijri calendar and moon sightings, so they vary each year.

Salary and Benefits in Ajman

Wage Protection System (WPS)

Ajman strictly enforces the WPS, requiring all employers to pay salaries through authorized financial institutions. Non-compliance results in:

  • Fines starting at AED 5,000 per employee
  • Ban on new work permits
  • Possible legal action from Ajman Labour Court

Minimum Wage

Ajman does not have an official minimum wage, but salary standards are often based on:

  • Industry norms and market rates
  • Nationality-based salary requirements for visa eligibility
  • Job classification in MOHRE's skill level categories
  • Generally lower salary scales compared to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, reflecting the lower cost of living

Ajman-Specific Benefits

  • Health Insurance: Mandatory for all employees
  • Transportation: Often provided or subsidized by employers due to commuting needs
  • Housing: Housing allowance or company accommodation for certain categories
  • Annual Flight Tickets: Common benefit for expatriate employees
  • Accommodations: Many employers provide staff accommodation in Ajman or nearby areas

Ajman Labour Dispute Resolution

Dispute Resolution Process

  1. Amicable Settlement: Initial attempt to resolve the issue with the employer
  2. MOHRE Complaint: File a complaint through:
    • MOHRE Ajman office
    • MOHRE mobile application
    • MOHRE call center (800 60)
    • Tasheel service centers in Ajman
  3. Mediation: MOHRE attempts to mediate the dispute (14-day process)
  4. Referral to Labour Court: If mediation fails, the case is referred to Ajman Labour Court
  5. Labour Court Proceedings: Case is heard and decided by specialized judges

Ajman Labour Court Features

  • No court fees for claims under AED 100,000
  • Fast-track procedures for straightforward cases
  • Available interpretation services
  • Smaller caseload than Dubai or Abu Dhabi courts, sometimes resulting in faster resolution
  • Electronic case filing and tracking system

Termination of Employment in Ajman

Notice Periods and Procedures

  • Minimum 30 days, maximum 90 days notice (as specified in contract)
  • Notice must be in writing and acknowledged by both parties
  • Payment in lieu of notice is permissible by mutual agreement
  • Employee must be allowed reasonable time off during notice period to seek new employment

End of Service Benefits

Ajman strictly enforces end-of-service gratuity payments calculated as:

  • 21 days' basic salary for each year of the first five years of service
  • 30 days' basic salary for each additional year
  • Maximum gratuity capped at two years' total salary
  • Gratuity is calculated on basic salary excluding allowances
  • Pro-rata calculation for partial years (if exceeding one year of total service)

Ajman-Specific Termination Rules

  • Employer must cancel work permit and visa within 30 days of employment termination
  • Employer must provide end-of-service documentation including:
    • Experience certificate
    • Final settlement statement
    • Gratuity calculation
    • Clearance letter for new employment
  • Labour bans no longer apply in most legitimate termination cases
  • Employees in employer-provided accommodation typically have 30 days to vacate after termination

Special Categories of Workers in Ajman

Domestic Workers

Domestic workers in Ajman are covered by Federal Law No. 10 of 2017, which provides basic protections including:

  • Maximum 12 working hours per day with rest breaks
  • One day off per week
  • 30 days of paid annual leave
  • Medical insurance coverage
  • Round-trip tickets home every two years
  • Decent accommodation and meals

Manufacturing and Industrial Workers

Ajman has a significant industrial sector with specific regulations for these workers:

  • Mandatory midday break from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM during summer months (June-September)
  • Enhanced safety requirements in industrial zones
  • Special accommodation standards for labor camps
  • Transportation services between accommodation and workplace

Pregnant Women and New Mothers

Ajman enforces maternity protections including:

  • 60 calendar days of maternity leave (45 days full pay, 15 days half pay)
  • Additional 45 days unpaid leave for illness related to pregnancy or delivery
  • Two daily 30-minute breaks for nursing for 18 months after delivery
  • Protection from termination due to pregnancy

Common Labour Violations and Fines in Ajman

Employer Violations and Penalties

Violation Fine (AED)
Employing workers without work permits 50,000 per worker
Hiring workers sponsored by other companies 50,000 per worker
Late salary payment 5,000-50,000 (depends on days delayed and number of workers)
Failure to provide health insurance 500-150,000 (depending on number of employees)
Failing to maintain employee records 1,000-20,000
Forcing employees to work during midday break (June-September) 5,000-50,000

Employee Violations and Penalties

Violation Penalty
Working without a valid work permit AED 5,000 fine and possible deportation
Absconding (leaving job without proper notice) One-year employment ban and visa cancellation
Violating confidentiality or competitive restrictions Fines, compensation for damages, and possible employment ban

Ajman Free Zone Employment Regulations

The Ajman Free Zone offers specific employment advantages:

  • 100% foreign ownership of businesses
  • Streamlined visa processing services
  • More flexible sponsorship arrangements
  • Specialized business setup packages with visa allocations
  • Freelance permits for independent professionals
  • Virtual office options with linked employment visas

Employees in Ajman Free Zone should familiarize themselves with the specific regulations of the zone.

COVID-19 Labour Measures in Ajman

Ajman has implemented various labour measures in response to the pandemic, including:

  • Remote work regulations and guidelines
  • Workplace safety and health protocols
  • Virtual dispute resolution services
  • Digital contract registration and visa processing
  • Support programs for affected businesses and employees

Essential Tips for Job Seekers in Ajman

  • Only accept job offers from legally established Ajman companies
  • Verify that your employer has obtained proper work permits and visas
  • Keep digital copies of all important documents (passport, visa, contract, qualifications)
  • Ensure your contract is registered with MOHRE or the Ajman Free Zone Authority
  • Consider the commuting distance if your workplace is in another emirate
  • Take advantage of Ajman's lower cost of living compared to Dubai and Abu Dhabi
  • Know your rights regarding working hours, overtime, and leave
  • Calculate your end-of-service benefits before resigning
  • Follow proper resignation procedures to avoid employment bans
  • Register complaints promptly if your rights are violated

Additional Resources

This information is provided as a general guide to Ajman labour laws. Laws and regulations may change, and specific cases may vary. For the most current and personalized advice, consult with a legal professional specializing in UAE employment law.