Policy update

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Outlines Legal Recourse and Penalties for Recurrent Salary Delays

Private sector employees in the UAE facing persistent salary delays can submit individual complaints or confidential reports through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. Wage compliance is monitored via the Wage Protection System, and non-compliant companies face classification downgrades and permit freezes. Legal specialists noted that late salary payments do not automatically trigger compensation unless direct financial damage is proven.

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Issues Ministerial Decision on Pillar Two Information Return Filing Rules

The UAE has issued Ministerial Decision No. 133 of 2026, establishing procedural filing rules for the Pillar Two Information Return under its Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax regime. The requirements apply to multinational groups with annual consolidated revenues of at least 750 million euros, covering fiscal years starting on or after 1 January 2025. In-scope entities must submit returns within 15 months following the fiscal year-end, with provisions allowing local centralised filings or exemptions tied to international exchange agreements.

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE Clarifies Overstay Fines, Illegal Employment Penalties, and Debt Travel Ban Thresholds

Legal guidance published by The National details UAE regulations on visa overstays, illegal employment, and civil travel bans. Overstay fines are standardized at Dh50 per day across all emirates, while companies hiring workers without proper visas face fines up to Dh50,000. Additionally, civil travel bans for outstanding debt can only be initiated for claims of Dh10,000 or more under federal law.

Policy & Legal Updates

UAE-EAEU Economic Partnership Agreement Enters into Force

The Economic Partnership Agreement between the UAE and the Eurasian Economic Union officially took effect on 6 October 2026. The pact eliminates or lowers tariffs on over 86 percent of tariff lines, covering about 96 percent of traded goods value. Non-oil bilateral trade reached $33.6 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach nearly $50 billion by 2032.