ABU DHABI: UAE workers have been reminded that employers cannot change their salary, job title, or nature of work without proper approval.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization said any change to an employment contract must have the employee’s clear written consent.
The change must also be processed through MoHRE’s official system.
This applies to private sector workers covered by UAE labor rules.
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Salary and Job Title Changes Must Be Approved
MoHRE said employers cannot make contract changes on their own.
This includes changes to salary, job title, or the type of work assigned to an employee.
For example, a company cannot simply lower a worker’s pay and say it is already part of the new arrangement.
It also cannot move a worker to a different job role if the change affects the agreed contract terms, unless the worker agrees in writing and the Ministry approves the amendment.
MoHRE’s official service page for “Modification of Work Permits / Employment Contracts” says contract changes are approved electronically after the requirements and documents are completed.
As per the Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations, the process of modifying employment contracts is governed by the Labour Relations Law, ensuring the protection of both employee and employer rights.
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Written Consent Is Not Optional
The reminder is based on Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations.
Under the law, contract terms must protect the rights of both workers and employers.
MoHRE also said any agreement that reduces the minimum rights given to a worker under UAE labour law is considered null and void.
This means it will not be legally accepted if it takes away rights already granted by law.
The only exception is when the new agreement gives the employee a better benefit.
Changes Must Go Through MoHRE Systems
Employers who want to update a worker’s contract must apply through MoHRE’s website or smart application.
The service is called “Modification of Work Permits / Employment Contracts.”
MoHRE said contract amendments must be submitted through its electronic systems.
Any change that is not officially documented and approved by the Ministry has no legal effect.
This protects workers from sudden or verbal changes that are not recorded in the official contract.
