Ras Al Khaimah Labour Law: Essential Guide for Job Seekers and Employees

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

Ras Al Khaimah Labour Law Overview

Ras Al Khaimah follows the UAE Federal Labour Law (Federal Law No. 33 of 2021) while implementing specific procedures and services through the RAK branch of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and other local authorities. With its growing industrial sector, tourism development, and more affordable cost of living, RAK has become an increasingly attractive employment destination.

Key Ras Al Khaimah Labour Authorities

  • RAK MOHRE Branch: Primary authority for labour regulations and work permits
  • RAK Courts - Labour Court: Handles unresolved labour disputes
  • RAK Department of Economic Development (RAK DED): Regulates business activities and licenses
  • Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (RAK Branch): Manages employment visas and residency
  • Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ): Manages employment in RAKEZ free zones
  • RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC): Offshore company regulations

Work Permits and Visas in Ras Al Khaimah

Employment Visa Process in Ras Al Khaimah

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

RAK-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
  • Remote Work Permit: For remote workers based in RAK
  • Freelance Permit: Available through RAKEZ

RAKEZ Free Zone Work Permits

The Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) 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
  • Dual licensing options (ability to work in both free zone and mainland)
  • Remote work and virtual office options

Work permits and visas for free zone companies are processed by RAKEZ rather than MOHRE.

Employment Contract Rules in Ras Al Khaimah

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

Contract Authentication

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

RAK-Specific Contract Considerations

  • Non-compete clauses are enforceable if reasonably limited in time and geographic scope
  • Probation periods cannot exceed six months
  • RAK employers must provide health insurance to all employees
  • Housing allowances or employer-provided housing is common, particularly in industrial areas
  • Many RAK employers provide transportation due to limited public transport options

Working Hours and Public Holidays in Ras Al Khaimah

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 RAK companies operate Sunday-Thursday with Friday-Saturday weekend
  • Shift work is common in RAK's industrial and hospitality sectors

RAK Public Holidays

Ras Al Khaimah 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 Ras Al Khaimah

Wage Protection System (WPS)

Ras Al Khaimah 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 RAK Labour Court

Minimum Wage

RAK 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

RAK-Specific Benefits

  • Health Insurance: Mandatory for all employees
  • Transportation: Often provided by employers due to limited public transportation
  • Housing: Housing allowance or company accommodation is common in industrial zones
  • Annual Flight Tickets: Common benefit for expatriate employees
  • Relocation Assistance: Many RAK employers provide initial accommodation and settling-in support

Ras Al Khaimah 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 RAK office
    • MOHRE mobile application
    • MOHRE call center (800 60)
    • Tasheel service centers in RAK
  3. Mediation: MOHRE attempts to mediate the dispute (14-day process)
  4. Referral to Labour Court: If mediation fails, the case is referred to RAK Labour Court
  5. Labour Court Proceedings: Case is heard and decided by specialized judges

RAK Labour Court Features

  • No court fees for claims under AED 100,000
  • Fast-track procedures for straightforward cases
  • Available interpretation services
  • Generally shorter waiting periods due to smaller caseload than Dubai or Abu Dhabi
  • Electronic case filing and tracking system

Termination of Employment in Ras Al Khaimah

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

RAK 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)

RAK-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 Ras Al Khaimah

Industrial and Manufacturing Workers

RAK has a significant industrial sector with specific regulations:

  • 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
  • Regular health and safety inspections for industrial facilities

Hospitality and Tourism Workers

With RAK's growing tourism sector, specific regulations apply:

  • Flexible shift patterns and split shifts common
  • Service charge distribution regulations
  • Special accommodation arrangements in resort areas
  • Seasonal work permit options for peak tourism periods

Domestic Workers

Domestic workers in RAK 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

Pregnant Women and New Mothers

RAK 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 Ras Al Khaimah

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

RAKEZ Employment Regulations

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) offers specific employment advantages:

  • 100% foreign ownership of businesses
  • Streamlined visa processing services
  • More flexible sponsorship arrangements
  • Business packages with visa allocations based on business type and size
  • Special provisions for industrial, service, and commercial companies
  • Flexi-desk and virtual office options with linked visas
  • Freelance permits for various professional categories

RAKEZ encompasses multiple specialized zones including:

  • RAKEZ Business Zone
  • RAKEZ Industrial Zone
  • RAKEZ Academic Zone
  • RAKEZ Media Zone

Employees in RAKEZ should familiarize themselves with the specific regulations of their zone.

COVID-19 Labour Measures in Ras Al Khaimah

RAK 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
  • Enhanced health screening for industrial workers

Essential Tips for Job Seekers in Ras Al Khaimah

  • Only accept job offers from legally established RAK 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 RAKEZ
  • Consider transportation options, as public transport is limited in RAK
  • Take advantage of RAK'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 Ras Al Khaimah 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.