UAE launches employment contract for studying Emiratis

Abdulrahman Saeed, Staff Reporter

Dr. Abdulrahman Abdul Mannan Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, issued the Resolution No. 240 of 2023 regarding the creation of the "A Studying Citizen Employment Contract" initiative, which has taken effect as of May 24, 2023.

The Minister explained that the (A Studying Citizen) initiative means a citizen enrolled in study within one of the programmes supported and approved by the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council "Nafis" in the list of professions and specialized job categories determined by the MoHRE.

“The Studying Citizen Employment Contract is concluded in accordance with the provisions of the Resolution and the mechanisms and procedures decided by the Ministry,” Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar said.

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The Resolution states that an employment contract for a studying citizen is a formal agreement between an employer and a studying citizen (full-time study) until he/she completes study within one of the programmes supported and approved by “Nafis”. This applied to the list of professions and specialized job categories determined by the Ministry. The Resolution also stipulates that the citizen must join work for the employer for a minimum duration determined by the Ministry after completing his/her studies.

It further states that it is not permissible to combine the benefits of “Nafis” for the Emiratis working in the private sector and the incentives granted to the studying citizens, who are enrolled in the programmes supported and approved by “NafIs.

The studying citizen must fully adhere to the agreed training schedules, controls and conditions.

In accordance with this employment contract, the employer is obligated abide by the following: the profession specified in the contract must be compatible with the specialization of study of the citizen and must be one of the professions and jobs determined by the Ministry. In addition, employers must issue work permits and provide a monthly salary of at least Dhs4,000 through the Wage Protection System, the studying citizen must be registered in one of the approved pension funds in the country and contributions are paid regularly according to the approved procedures.

Employer is also obligated to provide training for the studying citizen in the same academic specialization and profession specified in his/her employment contract, to change the contract after graduation to a regular citizen employment contract, according to the forms approved by the Ministry, and to adjust his/her salary level in accordance with the facility’s regulations in the same professions. The duration of the contract should not be less than the duration of the study.

The studying citizen must be committed not to change the agreed academic specialization except with the prior approval of the Ministry and the employer. He/she must pass the study programme from the educational entity approved by the Ministry successfully.

On top of that, the studying citizen must fully adhere to the agreed training schedules, controls and conditions, and not disclose privacy of work that he/she learns during the training period.

The establishments, which fail to meet their obligations, may face penalties and required contributions, in accordance with the Decree No. 1/7 of 2021. In addition, studying citizens, who fail to comply with their contractual obligations, shall be obliged to repay all amounts received from the establishment during the duration of the studying citizen employment contract.

In the event that one of the parties desires to terminate this contract during its validity, then he/she shall send a notice to the other party and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation within a period of not less than 30 working days.

The Resolution also states that it is permissible by consent of the two parties to extend or renew this contract for another similar or a shorter period.