Inquiry: I frequently travel for work and cover my fuel and Salik expenses personally. Shouldn’t my employer bear these costs? What are my rights regarding this issue?
Response: Assuming you are employed by a mainland company in Dubai, the rules of UAE labor law and relevant cabinet resolutions will apply.
It is important for employees to review the employment contract before signing, paying special attention to the compensation and any additional allowances offered.
This aligns with Article 8 (2) of the Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 concerning Employment Relations, stipulating that “an employee, or their representative, can validate the employment contract, salary, and other entitled rights through various means of proof as outlined in this Decree Law and its related regulations.”
Additionally, Article 10(1) of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 further defines the requirements set forth in the aforementioned law.
The stated law indicates: “In accordance with Article 8 of the Employment Law, the employment contract should include the employer’s name and address, the employee’s name, nationality, birth date, identification details, qualifications, position, start date, workplace, work hours, rest days, probation period if applicable, contract duration, agreed salary along with benefits and allowances, annual leave details, notice period, termination procedures, and other specifics determined by the Ministry to regulate the employment relationship.”
If your employment agreement does not mention your employer’s responsibility to cover fuel and Salik expenses as part of allowances, you might not be entitled to these claims. However, it is customary in the UAE for employment contracts to contain a travel allowance, which might encompass car fuel and Salik costs. If this isn’t clearly stated, it’s advisable to discuss the issue with your employer for a mutual decision.
Relevant Legislation:
1. Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on Employment Relations
2. Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 on the Implementation of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 Relating to Employment Relations
Ashish Mehta is the founding partner of Ashish Mehta & Associates and is licensed to practice law in Dubai, the UK, and India. For more information about his firm, visit www.amalawyers.com. Readers can send their inquiries to: [email protected] or to Legal View, Khaleej Times, PO Box 11243, Dubai.