Can Teenagers Take Summer Employment in the UAE? Law Sets Clear Age Limits and Strict Work Rules

As summer approaches and families explore part-time opportunities for teenagers, UAE labour regulations make it clear that minors can work only under tightly controlled conditions.

 

Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Employment Relations and its implementing regulations, the employment of juveniles aged between 15 and 18 is permitted, but subject to a series of legal safeguards covering age limits, working hours, health requirements and the nature of work.

 

Minimum age strictly enforced

 

The law expressly prohibits the employment of anyone under the age of 15. This means teenagers who have reached 15 may take up work, including temporary summer roles, provided all statutory requirements are met.

 

Consequently, while a 16-year-old may legally work during the summer break, a 14-year-old does not qualify under UAE law and cannot be employed.

 

Mandatory safeguards for juvenile workers

 

Article 5 of the Employment Law sets out the core conditions that must be satisfied before a minor can be hired.

 

Employers must first obtain written consent from the juvenile’s parent or legal guardian. In addition, the minor must present a medical fitness certificate issued by an authorised medical institution confirming their ability to perform the proposed work.

 

Working hours are also tightly regulated. Juveniles may work a maximum of six hours per day and must be given one or more breaks totalling at least one hour. The law further requires that minors must not work for more than four consecutive hours without a break.

 

Night work is strictly prohibited, with juveniles barred from working between 7 pm and 7 am.

 

Ban on hazardous work and overtime

 

The legislation also protects minors from unsafe employment. Juveniles may not be assigned hazardous, physically demanding or morally harmful work, as specified by ministerial decisions.

 

Employers are further prohibited from assigning overtime, requiring work on rest days or official holidays, or keeping juvenile employees at the workplace beyond the permitted working hours.

 

Juvenile work permit required

 

Even where all conditions are met, employment cannot commence unless the employer secures a Juvenile Work Permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

 

Under Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, the permit is issued to individuals aged between 15 and 18 who will work for establishments registered with the Ministry.

 

Limited exemptions for training entities

 

The law provides limited flexibility for recognised charitable, educational and training institutions whose primary objective is the professional qualification of juveniles.

 

 

Such entities may be exempted from certain provisions, provided they are properly registered with the relevant government authority and their activities genuinely relate to training, education, charity or volunteer work.

 

Compliance key for summer hiring

 

While the UAE framework does allow teenagers to gain early work experience, compliance with the permit process and statutory safeguards is essential.

 

For parents considering summer jobs for their children, the key takeaway is straightforward: teenagers aged 15 and above may work legally in the UAE only if the employer follows the formal juvenile permit process and adheres strictly to working hour, safety and consent requirements.

 

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