UAE allows juveniles between the ages of 15-18 to work, according to Article 5 of the UAE labour law, it is prohibited to employ minors. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) does not issue work permits to Emiratis or expats under the age of 18.
The law however, permits juveniles to work provided an official work permit is issued by MoHRE and the employer meets certain conditions.
The permit will only be issued if the following conditions are met:
- Written consent signed by the juvenile’s legal guardian or custodian.
- Certificate of fitness based on work required, issued by relevant medical authority.
- Coloured photograph with a white background.
- Passport copy and copy of a valid residence permit.
- Employment contract with approval from the ministry, containing the signature of both the employer and employee.
Exemptions:
- The juvenile cannot be employed at night.
- No industrial projects.
- Work that is dangerous or harmful to health is prohibited.
- Work cannot be such that is forbidden to be carried out by juveniles.
- Must be in line with the activities of the establishment.
- Establishment license must be valid and have no violations.
- Permit application must be submitted by the legally authorised signatory on behalf of the establishment.
- Juvenile should not hold a valid work permit.
The written contract must include:
- The areas of training.
- Duration of the training period.
- Weekly and other holidays.
- Value of the bonus, if any.
- Privileges granted to the trainee.
Recruitment can be during academic breaks for a maximum of three consecutive months at a time.
Conditions for employing or training students:
- Proof of the ‘student’ status.
- Valid UAE residence visa for expats.
- Emirates ID copy.
- ‘No objection’ certificate from the educational institute, in case of training.
A juvenile being trained or employed is not entitled to end-of-service gratuity or leaves, other that what is stipulated in the contract.
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