Do you know how much should be paid for working on off days during Ramadan month? More overtime will be obtained during this time

ABU DHABI: Ramzan fasting has started in the Gulf countries. The UAE government has announced many benefits for residents including expatriates during the holy month. The government has significantly reduced working hours during the holy month. A relaxation of two hours from normal working hours has been announced for all workers. There is also a strict directive that working hours should not exceed five and a half hours. However, many workers are worried that whether they will be entitled to overtime if they have to work longer in the month of Ramzan.

He is entitled to wages if he has to work more than the exempted hours during the month of Ramzan. Officials pointed that this is specified in the Labour Act. However, working hours in three weeks cannot exceed 144 hours. An employee required to work overtime should be paid an additional 25 percent of wages in addition to his basic pay.

If he has to work more time between 10 pm and 4 am, an additional 50 per cent of the wages shall be paid in addition to the basic pay. However, this will not be applicable for those on shift duty. Also, if a worker has to work on a rest day, he should be given another day off or pay an additional 50 percent of the basic salary. An employee should not be given more work on two consecutive rest days. Meantime, an employee in a managerial or supervisory post will not be entitled to overtime pay.