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Find out moreAs we witness the evolution of the regulatory landscape across the MENA region, it was timely for us to investigate and lift the lid, on what is keeping the region’s legal decision-makers awake at night.
Our first-of-its-kind report titled Legal Leaders in MENA is out now! It captures the views of 700 legal decision-makers across nine countries and 13 industry sectors in MENA, as well as in-depth interviews with experts from key sectors such as financial services and education to name a few, which revealed the emerging risks and priorities challenging the legal sector across the region.
Read the full report and share your feedback with us at legalleaders@tamimi.com.
Read the full reportShortly after the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) enacted the Abu Dhabi Global Market Employment Regulations 2019 (which came into force on 1 January 2020) the free zone announced new regulations legislating for secondees, short term workers, interns and freelancers.
The initiative is welcomed by the ADGM community, in particular by retail and event management companies, known for frequent personnel relocation and short term engagement of onshore originated staff.
The ADGM Employment Regulations 2019 (Engaging Non-Employees) Rules 2020 (the “Rules”) came into effect yesterday, 13 May 2020. The main points are as follows:
The Rules shall be applicable to the following categories of staff:
According to the Rules, ADGM Entities will now be able to obtain Temporary Work Permits (“TWP”) for the above mentioned categories for validity periods of three, six or twelve months, renewable for all categories except Secondees, whose TWP shall be valid for a maximum period of twelve months and shall not be renewable (unless the Registrar grants an exemption).
In order to be eligible for the TWP, the individual must hold a valid UAE residency visa which is valid for longer than the requested duration of the TWP. This is a very welcome development as short term engagements were impracticable prior to this.
The ADGM Entities shall be liable to obtain, maintain and cover the cost of the TWP and keep the records which would reflect the Non-Employee’s personal details and the dates on which the engagement commences and is due to expire. Given the current economic climate, ADGM has waived the TWP fees until the end of 2020.
The Rules also provide for penalties (up to USD 25,000) for those ADGM entities, that fail to obtain the TWP prior to commencement of individuals services or renew the expired TWP.
The ADGM will publish the list of required documents for the TWP but it is expected that the process will be quick and user-friendly.
Al Tamimi & Company’s market leading Employment & Incentives practice in the ADGM would be pleased to provide further guidance on the ADGM Temporary Work Permits, review the engagement agreements with Non-Employees, company policies and procedures and assist with the TWP application process.
Ivor McGettigan
Partner, Employment & Incentives
ADGM
i.mcgettigan@tamimi.com
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