UAE to implement summer ‘Noon Work Ban’ in mid-June, says HR Ministry
Starting mid-June, the Ministry of Human Resources and
Emiratisation (MOHRE), will implement the “Noon Work Ban” decision for outdoor
jobs carried out under sunlight, between 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., according to
the directives of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
The annual decision, issued by Nasser bin Thani Al Hamli,
Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, requires a worker not to stay in
the workplace after 12:30 p.m., prohibiting the resumption of work before 3:00
p.m.
It enforces employers who hire workers to provide them
with a shaded place to rest in during their breaks.
Under the decision, daily working hours, for morning,
evening or both shifts, are not to exceed 8 hours. If a worker exceeds such
eight hours within 24 hours, the extra time will be deemed overtime, for which
the worker is to be paid, in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Law
concerning the Regulation of Labor Relations.
The decision has excluded jobs where, for technical
reasons, work must continue non-stop, from the specified ban, provided that
employers provide cool drinking water in accordance with the requirements of
public safety and health. This should be supplemented by thirst-quenching
items, such as salts, lemon etc as used by the local authorities.
In addition, first-aid kits should also be available in
the workplace.
Strict adherence to all precautionary measures to contain
the spread of COVID-19 must also be observed, the Ministry said.
