UAE Disciplinary Policy Guide
Complete guide to employee disciplinary procedures in the UAE. Learn about legal requirements, progressive discipline, warning letters, investigation procedures, and Article 44 termination grounds.
Quick Summary: Complete guide to employee disciplinary procedures in the UAE. Learn about legal requirements, progressive discipline, warning letters, investigation procedures, and Article 44 termination grounds.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Basis | Articles 39-44, UAE Labor Law |
| Allowed Penalties | Warning, fine, suspension, dismissal |
| Fine Limit | Max 5 days' pay per incident |
| Total Fines | Max 5 days' pay per month |
| Investigation | Required before major action |
UAE Legal Framework
Permitted Disciplinary Measures (Article 39)
| Article | Measure |
|---|---|
| 39(1) | Written warning |
| 39(2) | Written warning with record |
| 39(3) | Salary deduction (max 5 days) |
| 39(4) | Suspension with pay reduction (max 14 days) |
| 39(5) | Denial of periodic allowance (max 1 year) |
| 39(6) | Denial of promotion (max 2 years) |
| 39(7) | Termination with gratuity |
| 39(8) | Termination without gratuity (Article 44) |
Legal Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Written notice | Must inform employee |
| Investigation | Required before dismissal |
| Right to respond | Employee must be heard |
| Record keeping | Document all actions |
| Proportionality | Punishment fits offense |
| No double penalty | One punishment per offense |
Types of Misconduct
Minor Misconduct
Serious Misconduct
Gross Misconduct
Disciplinary Measures
| Measure | When Used | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Warning | Minor first-time offenses | Not recorded in employee file |
| First Written Warning | Minor repeated or moderate offenses | Valid for 6 months |
| Final Written Warning | Serious misconduct or repeated issues | Valid for 12 months |
| Suspension | During investigation or as penalty | Maximum 14 days |
| Salary Deduction | As permitted by law | Max 5 days' pay per incident |
| Termination | Serious or gross misconduct | With or without gratuity |
Progressive Discipline
Standard Progression
Investigation Procedure
Investigation Steps
| Phase | Actions |
|---|---|
| Initiation | Report received, decision to investigate |
| Fact-Finding | Assign impartial investigator, gather evidence, interview witnesses |
| Suspension | If needed for serious matters or to prevent interference |
| Employee Interview | Inform of allegations, right to respond, document discussion |
| Decision | Review evidence, consider mitigating factors, document reasoning |
| Communication | Inform employee of decision, explain appeal rights |
Warning Letter Templates
Article 44 Summary Dismissal
| Ground | Description |
|---|---|
| False identity | Used fake documents |
| Gross error | Caused substantial loss |
| Safety violation | Ignored safety instructions |
| Repeated misconduct | After warning |
| Disclosure | Shared confidential information |
| Intoxication | Under influence at work |
| Assault | On employer/colleagues |
| Absence | 7+ consecutive or 20+ intermittent days |
| Conviction | Crime of honor |
| Sexual harassment | Including assault |
Best Practices
| Practice | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Clear policies | Employees know rules |
| Consistent application | Fairness and legal protection |
| Documentation | Evidence for any disputes |
| Training managers | Proper handling of issues |
| Act promptly | Don't let issues escalate |
| Be objective | Remove emotion from process |
| Involve HR | Ensure proper guidance |
Frequently Asked Questions
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NeuralHR Team
VerifiedUAE HR Compliance Experts
Our team of HR professionals and legal experts specializes in UAE labor law compliance, with extensive experience helping businesses navigate MOHRE regulations, Emiratisation requirements, and workforce management in the UAE and GCC region.
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