Can employees get paid for overtime hours in Ramadan?
During Ramadan, employees often wonder if they can earn overtime for working beyond normal hours. Here’s a breakdown of the regulations:
Under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 and Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, employees are entitled to two hours of reduced working hours during Ramadan. This reduction is mandated by Article 17(4) of the Employment Law and Article 15(2) of the Cabinet Resolution.
If an employer requires an employee to work overtime during Ramadan, they may be entitled to overtime pay. Article 19 of the Employment Law outlines the conditions for overtime, stating that employees can work additional hours, not exceeding two hours a day, with compensation. The total working hours over three weeks should not exceed 144 hours.
Overtime pay includes the employee's basic salary for normal hours plus a supplement of at least 25%. If the additional work occurs between 10 pm and 4 am, the supplement increases to at least 50%. However, this provision does not apply to shift employees.
Additionally, if an employee is required to work on their designated rest day, they should either receive a substitute rest day or be compensated with at least 50% of their salary for normal hours.
However, certain categories, such as those in managerial or supervisory positions, may be exempt from these provisions. According to Article 15(4)(b) of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, individuals with supervisory roles, vested with the powers of the employer, may not be entitled to overtime pay.
In summary, while employees may be eligible for overtime pay if they work beyond stipulated Ramadan hours, the decision to assign overtime work ultimately lies with the employer.
By: Sahiba Suri
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