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UAE: COVID-19 measures

Apr 24 2020

We set out below a summary of the current measures in place:

Remote Working

Various authorities have issued mandates requiring companies to implement working from home measures, including the Dubai Department of Economic Development, the DIFC Authority, The Dubai Development Authority and Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority.

Curfew / Movement Restrictions

Dubai has in place a 24 hour curfew . Individuals are not permitted to leave their homes, except to purchase necessities such as food (one family member only) and medicine or for the purpose of obtaining medical assistance or being tested for COVID-19. Currently, anyone wishing to leave their home is required to apply for a permit online (https://dxbpermit.gov.ae). Employees working in ‘exempt sectors’ (vital and support) do not require a permit to travel to work.

The rest of the UAE has put in place a daily curfew from 8pm-6am in order to carry out the national disinfection programme which has been extended indefinitely. Individuals are not permitted to leave their homes between the hours of 8pm-6am. It is understood that individuals are permitted to leave their homes to purchase necessities such as food and medicine or in the event of an emergency (save for those working in critical sectors).

Abu Dhabi Municipality has issued a notification prohibiting the transfer of workers outside the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and likewise prohibiting the transfer of workers from other emirates into Abu Dhabi. The notification has been in effect from 11 April 2020. Dubai Municipality issued a similar statement on 15 April 2020 prohibiting the transport of labour workers to areas outside of Dubai and from another emirate into Dubai.

Pension

The General Pension & Social Security Authority (GPSSA) stated that it would allow subscriber private sector companies to defer the payment of subscriptions to the GPSSA for their staff for three months starting as of March and ending in May 2020 (subject to possible extension).

 

For more information on these articles or any other issues involving labour and employment matters in the United Arab Emirates, please contact Rebecca Ford (Partner) at Clyde & Co at Rebecca.Ford@clydeco.ae or visit www.clydeco.com.