As in any area of law, local peculiarities also apply to labour regulations prevailing in the United Arab Emirates ("UAE"). With our glossary of UAE employment law, we make terms frequently used in employment relationships in the UAE understandable. Today, we will give you an overview of some Arabic expressions that employers based in mainland UAE - i.e. outside a free zone - may encounter when hiring employees.
Amer ("How can we assist you?")
Amer are centres in the Emirate of Dubai that provide services for the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs and, thus, primarily deal with residency-related matters. For example, they assist with applying for and cancelling residence visas and immigration establishment cards.
Tas'heel ("We simplify it for you")
Tas'heel refers to providers that offer employment-related services on behalf of the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MoHRE). For example, Tas'heel can be approached for the application and cancellation of work permits for employees and labour establishment cards for employers.
Tadbeer ("Housekeeping")
Tadbeer is another MoHRE-authorised service provider through which applications related to the employment of domestic workers, such as nannies, maids, gardeners or drivers, must be submitted. Tadbeer can also assist in the search for suitable employees.
Tawteen ("Emiratisation")
Tawteen refers to regulations that oblige employers to hire Emiratis. Certain companies must meet legally defined quotas and fill positions with locals, depending on the number and qualifications of their employees or the business sector they are engaged in.
Nafis ("Competing")
Nafis is a programme that promotes the employment of Emiratis in the private sector of the UAE. Both national employees and employers who register with Nafis can take advantage of various benefits offered by the programme. These include, among others, assistance in finding suitable jobs and employees, respectively, as well as financial support.
Taqyeem ("Inspection")
Taqyeem is a service provider that works on behalf of MoHRE and is, inter alia, responsible for office inspections. Such inspections can take place any time without prior notice in order to verify compliance with labour regulations. In addition, Taqyeem employees visit offices when a new Labour Establishment Card is applied for or a license has been renewed.
An inspection can also be carried out when a so-called quota for the employment of new staff is applied for.
Tawjeeh ("Guidance")
Tawjeeh service centres operate under the supervision of MoHRE. They provide information and advice to employers and employees about their rights and obligations under the UAE employment law. Employees at certain skill levels are required to attend a training course before their work permit can be issued.
Twa-Fouq ("Settling")
Twa-Fouq are MoHRE-approved offices that handle employment-related issues or complaints of employers and employees. They attempt to mediate disputes between the parties, forward recommendations to MoHRE for decision or refer cases to the competent courts.
Taa-meen ("Insurance")
Taa-meen is an insurance policy that covers claims of the employee against the employer up to a maximum of AED 20,000 should the employer become insolvent. Instead of depositing a bank guarantee of AED 3,000 for each newly hired employee, the employer can opt to take out this insurance policy.