The Ministry of Labour has enforced a Cabinet decision on Wednesday that protects labourers and ensures their welfare. The decision includes violations pertaining to labour cards, which had become effective from January 1, 2011.

As per the rules, a delay in renewing a labour card for 60 days or more after its expiry will invite a fine of Dh1,000 per month even if the delay is only for less than a month.

The fine for failing to get a labour card issued even 30 days after the date of entry or renewing it even seven days after its expiry is Dh100 per day.

Companies falsifying Emiratisation records will be fined Dh20,000 per employee and the same amount will be levied on the companies for providing incorrect information in the Wage Protection System.

Violating midday break rule will incur a fine of Dh15,000 per case, while non-participation in the wage protection system will incur a fine of Dh10,000.

Non-settlement of employee’s wage for 60 days will attract a fine of Dh5,000 per employee with the maximum of Dh50,000 if the case includes more than one employee. Firms forcing employees to sign documents showing that the payment of their dues was made will have to pay the same amount as fine.

According to the new resolution, Dh20,000 will be the fine per case for non-compliance with the labourers’ housing and accommodation regulations and for not employing the worker for a period exceeding two months.

Cabinet resolution No. 10 of year 2012 amends some provisions of the Cabinet resolution No. 27 of year 2012 on mandatory fees and fines on services provided by the ministry.