The probation period is a critical employment stage in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) because both the employer and the employee determine whether the relationship suits them or not. It offers an opportunity to the employer to analyze the skills and performance of a new hire, as well as their general fit in the job. Conversely, it also gives you, the employee, a chance to find out whether the job is to your expectations of your life.
As we go through it, I want to discuss everything you need to know about the probation period in the UAE so that you are fully aware of your rights and responsibilities.
What is the Probation Period in the UAE?
The probation period consists of a provisional trial period at the beginning of employment. In the process, you get to gauge the employer and see if the job is up to your expectations, and the employer gets to evaluate you on your skills and work ethic.
- Purpose:
- The employer has fewer formalities to follow to end the contract of employment when the employee fails to meet the requirements of the job.
- Employees are also able to quit the company should they realize that the job is not suitable for them without having to be fully bound as a permanent worker.
- Contractual Nature:
- The employment contract has to mention the probation period.
- It proposes a certain time frame and parameters, and makes you aware of where you are with your probation period.
How Long is the Probation Period in the UAE?
- Standard Duration:
- The probation in the UAE usually takes between 3 and 6 months.
- Extended Probation:
- In other cases, such as senior or specialist jobs, the probation may be stretched by some employers to 12 months.
- Contractual Requirement:
- According to your employment contract, the total time must be mentioned clearly to prevent confusion.
- Ending of Probation:
- As soon as the probation period is over, the initial employment contract automatically transitions into a normal one unless indicated otherwise.
What Happens if I Resign During My Probation Period in the UAE?
Stepping down during your probation period is associated with a list of rules that you need to know:
- Termination by Employer:
- Your employer has the right to dismiss your contract immediately when it comes to probation without due warning or severance benefits if you do not satisfy your performance.
- Resignation by Employee:
- In the case you want to resign, you might not get severance pay or any end-of-service benefits. Those special terms regarding notice periods are always present in the contract.
- Notice Period:
- In other contracts, there is a short notice, even during the probation period. As an example, you might have to notice after a week, a month.
- Final Payment:
- In the case you do leave in the middle of probation, you are still allowed compensation for the days you have worked as well as any unattained so-called benefits such as paid vacation days.
How to Calculate the 6-Month Probation Period in the UAE
It is vital to know how to compute the probation period when you officially become a permanent employee:
- Start Date:
- The probation commences with the first day of employment. To illustrate, suppose that you would be hired on January 15, 2024, then the expected termination of your probation would be July 15, 2024.
- Holidays and Absences:
- In case anything goes wrong, like there are public holidays or any other approved days of leave in your probation, they are normally added as part of the probation period.
- Contractual Extensions:
- In the odd situation, a possible extension of the probation term can be undertaken by your employer, although in any circumstances, it must be mutually agreed to in a written form and mentioned in your contract.
Read Also: Clear Umm Al Quwain Traffic Fines Fast
Key Points to Remember
These are some of the crucial facts one should remember about the period of probation in the UAE:
- Trial for Both Parties:
- It is probation on both your part and your employer. The process of termination is less restricted on both sides.
- Standard Duration:
- Usual probation time is 3 to 6 months; however, it may be longer depending on the position.
- No Severance Pay:
- You might not be paid any severance or other benefits upon the termination of your employment or on the termination of the probation period without any notification.
- Consult Your Contract:
- It is always advisable that you stay with the employment contract in terms of your probation period and your rights.
Rights and Responsibilities During Probation
Employees and employers are entitled to certain rights and duties during the probation period. This is a breakdown:
Employee Rights
Although you are on probation, you do not lose all your rights in the process:
- Right to Fair Treatment:
- You should have fair and abiding treatment under UAE labor laws.
- Safe Working Conditions:
- Employers must promote a healthy and safe work environment.
- Timely Payment of Wages:
- You will have to receive your payment on time, the same way the rest of the employees are being paid.
- Right to Resign:
- You can resign within the probation period, but the terms under which your resignation may take place (notice, etc.) are dependent on your contract.
Employee Responsibilities
Being an employee on probation, you should do some tasks:
- Perform to the Best of Your Abilities:
- You are expected to work diligently and showcase your skills to prove your value to the company. As an employee, you are supposed to work hard, demonstrate your capabilities to demonstrate that you are worth something to the company.
- Adhere to Company Policies:
- You also need to work by any company guidelines, dressing and as well as rules during your probation period.
- Maintain Professional Conduct:
- During the time that you are under assessment, it is worth noting that you should exhibit professional conduct such as timeliness and collaboration.
Employer Rights
Employers are also in a position to evaluate your performance during probation:
- Evaluate Performance:
- The probation time allows employers to test or judge your competence, efficiency and suitability in terms of culture.
- Terminate Employment:
- In case you fail to live up to the expectations, the employer can give you an early termination notice or can fire you at all.
Employer Responsibilities
The employers must give instructions and assistance in the probation period:
- Clear Expectations:
- In case of you as an employee, the employers should have clear employment requirements and performance objectives.
- Offer Guidance:
- The employers must provide feedback to help you perform better in the probation period.
- Respect Employee Rights:
- Employers need to observe the labor laws, working to provide fair treatment and proper wage.
What if My Employer Extends the Probation Period?
An employer may choose to prolong the probation pending period due to some reasons in some instances:
- Reason for Extension:
- By bearing in mind that the employer may extend your probation period to allow you overcome the shortcomings in your performance, you will be in a better position to work out the necessary changes.
- Contractual Agreement:
- Extensions are only accepted to be agreed mutually and recorded in your employment contract.
- Maximum Duration:
- Although probation may be extended, particularly where such a requirement is indicated, 12 months normally is the maximum length.
What Happens After the Probation Period?
When you complete your probation you have changed employment status:
- Confirmation of Employment:
- While passing successful probation means your position is rendered permanent, being entitled to enjoy job benefits to the full.
- Termination or Extension:
- Should your employer not be satisfied, he can either fire you or make you to shift your probationary period so long as it does not breach the UAE labor law.
- Entitlements:
- When you are a permanent employee, you are entitled to end-of-service benefits since employment, annual leave as well as health insurance among other statutory rights.
Read Also: Dubai Visa Medical Test Guide: Steps, Clinics, Tips
Final Words
This guide will tell you everything about such a stage as a probation with references to the purpose of probation, its duration, as well as the rights and obligations that you will have during the probation. It is always a good idea to read your employment contract and keep up with labor law in the UAE, as this way you will be sure of what you need to and should do as well as what you are entitled to do in this country.
