UAE Imposes Three-Month Midday Work Ban to Protect Outdoor Workers from Extreme Heat
ISLAMABAD: The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment has announced that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has enforced its annual three-month midday work ban for employees working in open areas and under direct sunlight to safeguard workers from extreme summer temperatures.
According to the Bureau, the restriction came into effect on June 15 and will remain in force until September 15. During this period, employees are prohibited from working outdoors between 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
The UAE implements the midday work ban every year as part of its occupational health and safety measures aimed at protecting workers from heat-related illnesses during the peak summer season.
However, certain activities have been exempted from the restriction, including asphalt laying and concrete pouring operations. Essential emergency maintenance work required to restore water supplies, electricity services, and traffic flow is also exempt from the ban.
Under the regulations, employers are required to provide shaded rest areas, fans or adequate cooling arrangements, clean drinking water, and other necessary hydration facilities for workers during the restricted hours.
Companies found violating the regulations may face fines ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 UAE dirhams, depending on the nature and severity of the violation.
The Bureau has advised overseas Pakistani workers in the UAE to familiarize themselves with the regulations and report any violations through the appropriate channels to ensure their health, safety, and legal rights are protected during the summer months.
