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    UAE Part-Time Employment Guide: Legal Framework and MOHRE Requirements 2025

    Complete guide to part-time employment in UAE. MOHRE work permits, multiple employer arrangements, pro-rata benefits calculation, WPS requirements, and compliance obligations.

    Published: January 23, 2026
    10 min read read
    7 topics covered

    Quick Summary: Complete guide to part-time employment in UAE. MOHRE work permits, multiple employer arrangements, pro-rata benefits calculation, WPS requirements, and compliance obligations.

    The UAE labor law provides a comprehensive framework for part-time employment, enabling flexible work arrangements while ensuring employee protection. Ministerial Resolution No. 31 of 2023 specifically addresses part-time work permits and multiple employer scenarios. This guide covers all aspects of hiring and managing part-time employees in UAE.
    AspectDetails
    Legal BasisMinisterial Resolution 31 of 2023
    Min HoursNot specified by law
    Max EmployersMultiple allowed with permits
    BenefitsPro-rata entitlement
    WPSRequired for each employer

    Work Permit Types

    Different permit options for part-time workers.

    Part-Time Work Permit

    Issued by MOHRE for mainland employers. Allows work with multiple employers. Each employer must have a separate permit. Visa sponsored by primary employer or self-sponsored.

    Permit Categories

    Category 1: Primary employer sponsors visa, worker can take additional part-time work. Category 2: Self-sponsored visa holders (Golden, Green) working part-time. Category 3: Dependent visa holders with part-time work permit. Category 4: Student visa holders with part-time work permit.

    Application Process

    Step 1: Primary employment established or self-sponsored visa. Step 2: Additional employer applies through MOHRE. Step 3: Submit required documents. Step 4: Pay permit fees AED 500-1,500. Step 5: Permit issued within 3-5 working days.
    Permit TypeVisa SponsorEmployers Allowed
    Primary + AdditionalPrimary employerMultiple with permits
    Self-SponsoredSelf (Golden/Green)Multiple with permits
    DependentSponsor (family)Part-time only
    StudentUniversityLimited hours

    Multiple Employers

    Managing employment with multiple employers legally.

    Legal Requirements

    Each employer must have valid work permit. Primary employer must be notified. Combined hours must be reasonable. Conflicting interests prohibited. Non-compete clauses must be checked.

    Scheduling Considerations

    Total working hours should not exceed reasonable limits. Rest periods must be maintained. Overtime rules apply per employer. Annual leave coordination required.

    Employer Consent

    Primary employer should be aware of additional employment. Conflicts of interest must be disclosed. Competing business restrictions may apply. Confidentiality obligations continue.

    Pro-Rata Benefits

    Calculating entitlements for part-time employees.

    Annual Leave

    Full-time entitlement: 30 calendar days after 1 year. Part-time calculation: Proportional to hours worked. Example: 20 hours/week (50%) = 15 days leave. Accrual based on actual working days.

    Sick Leave

    Entitlement is pro-rata based on working hours. Full pay period proportionally reduced. Half pay and unpaid periods also pro-rata. Medical certificate requirements same as full-time.

    End of Service Gratuity

    Calculated based on actual basic salary. Service period counts from start date. Pro-rata applies to daily wage calculation. Formula: Years x Days x (Daily wage). Standard rates: 21 days for first 5 years, 30 days after.

    Public Holidays

    Entitled if holiday falls on scheduled workday. Not entitled if holiday on non-working day. Pay based on normal daily rate. No additional compensation if normally off.
    BenefitFull-TimePart-Time (50%)
    Annual Leave30 days15 days
    Sick Leave (Full Pay)10 days5 days
    Sick Leave (Half Pay)20 days10 days
    Maternity Leave60 days60 days (if eligible)

    WPS Compliance

    Wage Protection System requirements for part-time workers.

    WPS Registration

    Each employer must register employee in WPS. Separate salary file for each employment. Monthly payment through approved bank. Bank account can be same for all employers.

    Payment Timing

    Salary due by 10th of following month. Each employer pays independently. Late payment triggers MOHRE alerts. Violations tracked per employer.

    Documentation

    Separate payslips from each employer. WPS reflects each employment. Total income trackable. Tax implications for high earners in future.

    Employer Obligations

    Compliance requirements for employers of part-time workers.

    Administrative Requirements

    Valid work permit before employment starts. Employment contract in MOHRE format. WPS registration and monthly payment. MOHRE records maintenance.

    Workplace Rights

    Same workplace protections as full-time. Health and safety standards apply. Non-discrimination requirements. Grievance procedures available.

    Termination Process

    Notice period as per contract. Gratuity calculation on pro-rata basis. Final settlement within 14 days. Work permit cancellation required.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Manage Part-Time Workforce with NeuralHR

    NeuralHR simplifies part-time employee management with multi-employment tracking for employees with multiple jobs, pro-rata benefit calculator for accurate entitlement calculation, WPS integration for compliant salary processing, contract templates for MOHRE-compliant part-time contracts, and automated leave management with proportional tracking.

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    UAE 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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