Junior employees should get 50 per cent more of their hourly wage for night shifts

Employees who have to work longer hours in Ramadan must be paid overtime.

During the holy month, a working day becomes shorter by two hours for all Muslim and non-Muslim employees.

Businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and hospitals may require staff to work longer hours but they should be paid overtime.

“For any extra working hour, an employee is entitled to receive their usual remuneration plus an increase of at least 25 per cent of their hourly wage,” said Dr Hasan Elhais, legal consultant of Al Rowaad Advocates.

“If the overtime is worked between 9pm and 4am, an employee is entitled to receive their usual remuneration plus an increase of at least 50 per cent of their hourly salary.”

The overtime is calculated upon the gross salary (basic pay plus allowances).

Dr Elhais said the overtime rules are applicable throughout the year.

In the UAE, employees are required to work 9 hours with one hour of break time. This reduces by two hours during the holy month.

Overtime must not exceed two hours per day unless the nature of work can prevent substantial loss or serious accident, a rule that also applies during Ramadan, said Dr Elhais.

“The law doesn’t mention days off in return for extra hours,” he said.

People who are permanently on late shift, such as airport and hospital employees, and if their working hours were mentioned in the contract and agreed upon, are not entitled to extra pay for...

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