Lexis Middle East HR Alert – October 2024 Edition

Lexis Middle East HR Alert – October 2024 Edition News developments

Lexis Middle East HR Alert – October 2024 Edition

Welcome to the latest edition of Lexis Middle East HR Alert – October 2024, your definitive guide to staying ahead of the legal and business developments shaping HR in the Middle East. As the region continues to evolve and embrace global standards, it is essential for HR professionals, legal practitioners, and business leaders to remain informed about the changes and trends impacting the workforce.

In this issue, we explore how retirement in Saudi Arabia is changing following the new Social Security Law, Saudi Arabia Cabinet Decision No. 1022/1445, as explained by Zahir Qayum of Mohammed Ayedh AlShahrani Law Firm. We also delve into the approaches being taken in the UAE to reduce working hours, as discussed by Charles Laubach of Afridi & Angell.

In this issue, we explore how retirement in Saudi Arabia is changing following the new Social Security Law. We also delve into the approaches being taken in the UAE to reduce working hours, as discussed by Charles Laubach of Afridi & Angell.

We cover exemption from contributions in the news round-up, stricter penalties for labour law violations in the immigration focus, and a law on safety and contingencies in vital facilities. Gain insights into a case on an employee’s cryptocurrency entitlements in the case focus section. In the HR Profile, Ashutosh Sinha, Managing Partner and Chief Human Resources Officer at Seintiv Talent Solutions, explains how a focus on people, culture, and performance can transform businesses.

Stay updated with the latest business moves, appointments, and promotions, and explore new and proposed laws affecting the MENA region. This issue also includes the UAE’s progressive new law on Psychiatric Health, also known as the Mental Health Law, which aims to enhance mental health support, including in the workplace.

Happy reading!

This edition features a diverse range of content, including:

Feature: Ready to Retire

The new Social Security Law in Saudi Arabia, Cabinet Decision No. 1022/1445, introduces changes to the retirement system. Zahir Qayum of Mohammed Ayedh AlShahrani Law Firm provides an overview of how retirement in Saudi Arabia is being impacted by these legal reforms.


Trend Setter – Reduced Working Hour

The UAE is exploring approaches to reduce working hours for employees, as examined by Charles Laubach of Afridi & Angell. This move aims to enhance work-life balance and productivity in the country’s workforce. Potential measures under consideration include shorter workweeks and flexible work options.


News Round-up: Covering Recent Key Developments – Region-Wide

Stay updated with the latest regional developments, including the exemption from contributions to the Nafis fund. Facilities demonstrating support for Emirati competitiveness may be exempt from partial or total contributions based on MOHRE data and reports.


Immigration Focus

Gain valuable knowledge on the evolving immigration and visa rules across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, with a spotlight on the United Arab Emirates’ tougher penalties for labour law violations.


Immigration Focus: Best and Perhaps Better?

Rekha Simpson, Director, Middle East Immigration, Vialto Partners talks about what has been the most interesting immigration development in the UAE and the changes she is most looking forward to.


Law Changes: New and Proposed MENA Laws

Luke Tapp and Sarah Khasawneh of Pinsent Masons explain new safety and contingency requirements which apply to vital facilities following the issue of Qatar Ministerial Decision No. 25/2024.


Case Focus – DIFC Case No. 1739/2024 issued on 17
July 2024

This case, recommended by Wasel & Wasel, highlights a pivotal issue concerning an employee’s cryptocurrency entitlements. This case has set a robust legal precedent that could influence future cases involving digital currencies in the UAE and beyond.


Enrich your understanding of the HR landscape and stay up-to-date with the latest trends, cases, and policies through the newest issue of Lexis Middle East – HR Alert.


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Want to learn more about Lexis® Middle East? Visit, https://www.lexis.ae/lexis-middle-east-law/.

Have you read the Lexis® Middle East HR Alert – previous 2024 editions? Click the links below to access and read these editions.


HR Profile: Transforming Talent

Ashutosh Sinha, Managing Partner and Chief Human Resources Officer at Seintiv Talent Solutions explains how a focus on people, culture and performance can transform businesses.


In-House Profile: Practitioner Perspective

Sarah Malik, the CEO of SOL International, examines best practices for performance management, particularly when evaluating and providing feedback to directors and senior-level professionals.


Policy Pointers: Mental Health

Emily Aryeetey, Partner at Stephenson Harwood LLP, contributes her expertise on the Mental Health Law that came into force on 30 May 2024 which aims to enhance mental health support, including the workplace.


Moves and Changes

Stay informed about the latest business news, significant appointments, and promotions across the region, ensuring you are up-to-date with the key players in the market.


Tanya Jain