Ramadan overtime in the UAE: How employees can claim unpaid wages

Any hours worked beyond the shortened Ramadan schedule are legally considered overtime.

Dubai: During Ramadan, private sector employees have their standard workday reduced by two hours. This reduction is legally binding for the month, and any hours worked beyond the shortened schedule are classified as overtime.

How is overtime compensation calculated?
If your job requires you to work past the reduced Ramadan hours, your employer must compensate you based on your basic salary as follows:

• Standard daytime overtime: Extra hours worked during the day are paid at your normal hourly rate plus a 25% bonus.
• Late-night overtime (10 PM to 4 AM): Hours worked at night are paid at your normal hourly rate plus a 50% bonus. Note: This night-shift premium does not apply to employees already on a shift-based contract.
• Working on a scheduled day off: If you are required to work on your designated day off, the law provides two options:
  1. A substitute rest day to be taken later.
  2. A cash payment equal to your normal hourly wage plus a 50% bonus.

How to claim unpaid overtime in the UAE

If an employee works beyond the legally reduced Ramadan hours, the employer is required to provide overtime compensation. If the employer fails to do so, the employee has the right to take action to claim the unpaid wages.

“If the issue is not resolved amicably, the employee can approach the relevant free zone authority or the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) for assistance,” said Sunil Ambalavelil, principal partner at Nasser Yousuf Alkhamis Lawyers (NYK Lawyers) and legal consultant.

MOHRE may review and investigate the claim and, if appropriate, refer the dispute to the competent labour court for adjudication. The ministry also has the authority to issue final, binding executive decisions on labour disputes where the claim value is Dh50,000 or less.

How to file a claim

The UAE has streamlined the process for claiming unpaid wages, ensuring confidentiality. Employees can submit a “My Salary Complaint” without fear of immediate disclosure to their employer.

1. Gather your evidence

Before filing a claim, make sure you have documented proof, including:

• Your employment contract.
• Timesheets or logs showing the extra hours worked.
• Written communication (emails or WhatsApp messages) where overtime was requested or acknowledged.

2. Submit the complaint

Claims can be submitted through the MOHRE App or the ministry’s official website.

3. Choose the complaint type

• Select the “My Salary Complaint” service.
• Specify the complaint type as “Non-payment of overtime wages.”