What does the UAE law say about overtime Ramadan pay?
“Considering the holy month, working hours of our clinical and non-clinical staff are always planned ahead to ensure employees maintain a balance while fasting,” said Taher Shams, managing director of Zulekha Healthcare Group.
“For any extra working hour, an employee is entitled to receive their usual remuneration plus an increase of at least 25 percent of their hourly wage,” said Dr. Hasan Elhais, legal consultant of Al Rowaad Advocates.
Junior employees should get 50 percent more of their hourly wage for night shifts
Employees who have to work longer hours in Ramadan must be paid overtime.
“We will give full benefit of reduced working hours to our regular staff, including the general manager,” said Asier Baquero, general manager at Occidental Sharjah Grand Hotel.
“In case employees are not paid for the extra hours worked, they should request payment and if it doesn't happen, they must complain to the Ministry of Human Resources,” he said.
“If the overtime is worked between 9 pm and 4 am, an employee is entitled to receive their usual remuneration plus an increase of at least 50 percent of their hourly salary.”
Overtime must not exceed two hours per day unless the nature of work can prevent substantial loss or serious accident, a rule that also applies during Ramadan, said Dr. Elhais.
“The law doesn’t mention days off in return for extra hours,” he said.
Businesses that The National spoke to said they plan ahead to ensure staff does not have to work extra hours.
People who are permanently on a late shift, such as airport and hospital employees, and if their working hours were mentioned in the contract and agreed upon, are not entitled to extra pay for such shifts.
Zulekha Healthcare Group said it also tries to not burden employees with extra hours during Ramadan.
Businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and hospitals may require staff to work longer hours
“There are no overtime hours generated during Ramadan.
“Our doctors are scheduled on shifts between 9 am to midnight on all days during the month and they get their scheduled weeks off as well.
Staff work on a rota to ensure patient care is not compromised and emergency services are always available.