
Lexis Middle East HR Alert – March 2025 Edition
Welcome to the March 2025 edition of Lexis Middle East HR Alert, your indispensable guide to understanding the dynamic legal and business environment affecting HR in the Middle East. As the region continues to evolve and harmonise with international standards, it is crucial for HR professionals, legal advisors, and business leaders to remain informed about the latest developments and trends impacting the workforce. This issue highlights significant amendments to Saudi and UAE labour laws, emphasising enhanced worker protection and strict compliance measures.
In Saudi Arabia, updates to Cabinet Decision No. 219/1426 clarify the enforcement roles of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the Ministry of Interior, with increased fines for unauthorised employment ranging from 200,000 to 500,000 Riyals. The UAE’s Federal Decree-Law No. 9/2024 introduces amendments aimed at improving employer compliance, notably imposing fines of up to one million AED for employing workers fictitiously, with potential multiplication based on the number of workers involved. Additionally, Oman has implemented a new scheme requiring monthly employer contributions to the Social Insurance Organisation, ensuring expatriate employees receive their end-of-service gratuity dues more efficiently. Our comprehensive analysis delves into the implications of these legislative changes for HR practices across the region, exploring how these updates will affect compliance strategies, employee relations, and overall workforce management.
Stay ahead of the curve with Lexis Middle East HR Alert, as we provide you with the insights needed to navigate the complexities of HR in the Middle East.
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This edition features a diverse range of content, including:
Feature: A More Flexible Approach
Ben Brown and Sarit Thomas of Clyde & Co explore the greater adaptability afforded to employees and employers following the revisions to the ADGM’s Employment Regulations, set to be implemented on April 1, 2025.
Trend Setter: Recruitment
Mary Rintu from NYK Law analyses how the shift towards prioritising practical skills over experience in hiring may offer both opportunities and challenges for employers in the UAE.
News Round-up: Covering Recent Key Developments – Region-Wide
Keep up-to-date with the most recent regional developments, including a consultation on DIFC Employment Law.
Immigration Focus
Deepen your knowledge of the changing immigration and visa rules in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, emphasising the grace period for visa violators in Qatar.
Law Changes: New and Proposed MENA Laws
Balall Maqbool, Hamood Al Rawahi, and Mehdi Al Lawati of DLA Piper Middle East discuss Oman Ministerial Decision No. 13/2025 and the newly introduced regulations on part-time work in Oman.
Case Focus: QFC Employment Standards Office v Meinhardt BIM Studios LLC [2024] QIC (F) 24
Umar Azmeh, Registrar at QICDRC, highlights the importance of this case, comparing it to Donoghue v Stevenson [1932] AC 562, a landmark in negligence law. The QFC Employment Standards Office (ESO) is crucial in enforcing the QFC Employment Regulations 2020 through its investigations and guidance.
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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HR Profile: People and Technology
Uchenna Okpara Izuagba, Chief Human Resources Officer at Gastronaut Hospitality, asserts that prioritising employee needs and leveraging technology are essential for success in the UAE hospitality industry.
In-House Profile: Practitioner Perspective
Sarah Malik, Pavithra Rajendran, and Sara Nassif from SOL International outline the main aspects of UAE health and safety laws and the National Standard for the Occupational Safety and Health Management System (OSHMS).
Policy Pointers: Sponsorship transfers
Sarah Khasawneh, Associate at Pinsent Masons, highlighted that recent legal reforms in Qatar have changed the sponsorship transfer process by eliminating the need for NOC. Employees can now switch jobs without their current employer’s approval, improving worker mobility.
Moves and Changes
Stay updated on the newest business trends, significant appointments, and promotions in the region to stay connected with the market’s key influencers.