Quick question for a mate.

He's paid 4,000 basic, 2,000 housing, 1000 in transport and food (or thereabouts). Now he's going on a months leave back home (Philippines), he's been with the company for a year and they will pay a single way flight (2 way only after 2 years), so, is this legal - more so the deduction of allowances while on holiday rather than the one-way flight.

I don''t think it is but I'd value your opinion.

I don't think it is.

Isn't everyone supposed to get a full annual flight yearly, or the equivalent?

You're also not supposed to deduct allowances whilst on leave.

If in doubt, speak to the labour ministry or the relevant free zone.

With regards to this he will have to refer to his Contract with the Company where it should all be specified. As per DXB he will have to go to the Labour Ministry to get full clarification, cheap ass employers taking advantage!

You're going to love this, not only does the company keep their passports but they also keep their employment contracts too...

Def. go to the labour ministry.

But he'll probably lose his job if he does. That's the way it does. Labour ministry rules in his favour, company finds an excuse to dismiss him in a month or two.

It's a shitty situation but nothing is going to change for him. His decision.

I don't think annual flights are a legal requirement, only flights at start and end of employment. Annual flights are a discretionary thing.

Is he taking more than his annual leave entitlement (legal minimum 22 days I believe) or more in one block than he might necessarily be entitled to? Agreeing to this might give the company leverage to pull some other stunts.

It's a fairly typical thing for companies to give a little with one hand so they can screw you a lot with the other.

But own up: this is your employee and you're just trying to see what you can get away with, isn't it?

As someone mentioned above, these terms are all contract items. If he signed up to them then they are legal. I have heard similar before many times, not excusing it mind you.

Nope, not mine, just a "friend", seriously.

I'll see if i can get a copy of their employment doc they signed.

Thanks all.

Quite right for KSA.

Saudi Labour Law (SLL) says the only mandatory flights are initial flight in and final exit flight home.

A lot of companies will offer one flight every two years for their labour/manpower. For white collar, it's more common to have one a year and then the Execs and what not will get more.

As for allowances, again, SLL says that all allowances must be paid in full, but many companies don't pay transport allowance for leave periods on the 'logic' that you don't need transport ( or food ) when you're not here...

This will only be challenged in the Labour Courts and no-one so far has bothered to take this challenge on, knowing full well how it well end.

I knew Bengalis who got a flight home every five years. Think of that !

Lose lose situation. Moan about it, wave good bye to the job?

Yep

Best thing is to try to find a new job for him.

Yep, that's what I'm doing. Anyone know any decent Restaurant Manager's positions going?

Annual flights are not a requirement under UAE Labour Law. Company discretion.

A copy of a contract of employment has to be lodged with the Minstry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoL as was) and anyone can get a copy of their own via the website or a labour office.

All benefits are payable to an individual whilst they are on annual leave, not just basic salary

MEOW does the employee or employer file the contract? And is this a legal requirement?