The Prime Minister, Vice President of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has issued a Cabinet Resolution Number (52) of 2018 governing the executive regulations of the Federal Law Number (3) of 2016 which deals with the Child Rights Law known as Wadeema.
The resolution includes 23 clauses dealing with the conditions of child labor, places where children are banned, the procedure for child rights violations, provisions relating to child welfare officer, protective measures and the obligations that are to be fulfilled by the foster families. As per the new law, children below the age of 15 years are prohibited from the grant of employment whereas, children above the age of 15 years is required to obtain written consent of their parents or legal guardian.
The employment applications will be reviewed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiritisation in coordination with the Ministry of Human Resources. According to Article 2 of the new law, the following conditions must be satisfied for a child to be employed:
- The child must not be less than fifteen years of age.
- The child should be medically fit for the work required.
- Any other condition as determined by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
The new law also deals with the procedure for releasing a person convicted of child molestation. The resolution protects the right of the minors, and it covers the rules to be applied to the UAE Nationals as well as the expatriates.
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