Understanding your legal rights as an overseas worker is essential.
Key Rights
- Employment Contract — You must receive a written contract in a language you understand
- Wages — Employers must pay agreed wages on time through bank transfers
- Working Hours — Standard 8-hour days with overtime compensation
- Rest Days — At least one paid rest day per week
- Annual Leave — 21-30 days of paid annual leave after one year
- Medical Care — Access to medical facilities and health insurance
Recent Reforms
- UAE — Abolished the kafala system, allowing workers to change employers
- Saudi Arabia — Wage Protection System (WPS) ensures timely payment
- Qatar — Minimum wage of QAR 1,000 plus food and housing allowances
What to Do If Your Rights Are Violated
- Contact your embassy or consulate
- File a complaint with the local labor ministry
- Reach out to Taha Airwaves for guidance and support
- Document everything — keep copies of contracts, pay slips, and communications
