Can a 15-Year-Old Legally Work in the UAE? What the Labour Law Says About Teenage Employment and Work Permits

The UAE's labour legislation allows teenagers aged between 15 and 18 to take up employment, but only within a carefully regulated legal framework designed to protect their health, education and overall wellbeing. While many parents and employers may assume that minors cannot work at all, the law provides a clear pathway for teenagers to enter the workforce, provided they meet specific legal requirements and obtain the necessary approvals.

The rules are particularly relevant for young people seeking opportunities in sectors such as advertising, media, retail, hospitality and other industries that may recruit teenagers for part-time, seasonal or promotional work. However, employers must comply with stringent conditions before engaging any worker below the age of 18.

Under the UAE Labour Law, the employment of children below the age of 15 is strictly prohibited. Consequently, no work permit is issued for individuals who have not yet reached the age of 15. This prohibition reflects the country's commitment to safeguarding children's rights and ensuring that education and welfare remain the primary focus during the early years.

Once a child reaches the age of 15, however, employment becomes legally permissible subject to the issuance of an official work permit by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). The permit is mandatory and employers cannot legally hire teenagers within this age group without obtaining the required authorisation.

The law also lays down several conditions that must be fulfilled before a young person between the ages of 15 and 18 can be employed.

One of the primary requirements is the written consent of the child's parent, guardian or legal custodian. This ensures that the family is fully aware of and agrees to the employment arrangement.

In addition, the employer must obtain a medical fitness certificate issued by a recognised medical entity confirming that the teenager is physically fit to perform the proposed duties. The requirement aims to ensure that the work will not adversely affect the child's health or development.

The law further imposes strict limits on working hours. A child may work for a maximum of six hours a day. During this period, the employer must provide one or more breaks totalling at least one hour. The breaks must be scheduled so that the child does not work continuously for more than four hours at a stretch.

Night work is also prohibited. Teenagers between 15 and 18 years of age cannot be required to work between 7pm and 7am, reflecting the law's emphasis on protecting their health, safety and educational commitments.

The legislation also prevents employers from assigning children to hazardous or physically demanding jobs. Young workers cannot be employed in dangerous occupations or in work that could jeopardise their health, safety or moral wellbeing. The categories of prohibited work are identified through ministerial decisions issued in coordination with the relevant authorities.

Furthermore, employers are not permitted to require child workers to perform overtime. They also cannot retain them at the workplace beyond the prescribed working hours or ask them to work on weekends or official public holidays.

These safeguards form part of the UAE's broader labour protection framework, balancing opportunities for teenagers to gain valuable work experience with comprehensive legal measures that prioritise their welfare, education and personal development. For both employers and parents, compliance with these provisions is essential to ensure that any employment involving young workers remains fully aligned with UAE law.

 

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