Significant Changes in the Labor Accommodation Laws in the UAE

In 2026, Ministerial Resolution No. 122 announced changes to UAE labor laws on accommodation rules. The prime objective of this change is to ensure employees’ security and well-being across the Emirates.

What is Ministerial Resolution no 122 of 2026?

UAE has tightened labor laws to make sure every worker is safe, relaxed, and healthy. Employers must provide a workplace with recreational facilities and basic amenities.

As per the Resolution, any employer who has 50 or more employees needs to offer a housing allowance. This accommodation allowance is in accordance with safety specifications and UAE labor laws. This law caters to workers who are earning AED 1500 or below.

• The Resolution requires qualifying employers to provide approved and registered labour accommodation. It does not establish a general option to substitute a housing allowance.

Furthermore, the resolution states that the accommodation site should be safe and contain all basic amenities of life, including internet. The workplace may be five kilometers away from public spaces, including tourist spots, medical clinics, or residential spaces.

• This rule concerns labour accommodation, not the workplace. Official UAE guidance says accommodation should be at least 5 km from family housing areas and away from tourist sites, investment zones, pollution sources and rainwater drainage channels. It does not say 5 km from medical clinics.

Every employee must be provided with at least 3 to 4 square meters of living space. This does not include kitchens and bathrooms. As per UAE labor laws, three-decker beds and sleeping on floors are not permissible. UAE labor authorities might take action against any such activities.

Details about the UAE labor accommodation laws:

As per the UAE labor law, employers should either provide housing or the accommodation allowance. Certain provisions for housing include a licensed building and a well-constructed residential place that offers all necessities of life to employees.

The UAE expects employers to implement the labor accommodation laws in the near future. Any employer with 50 or more workers must comply with the law. Moreover, it also covers workers who are receiving the minimum salary of AED 1500.

Employers need to carefully hire workers, as they have to provide workers with accommodation facilities to workers with AED 1500 and the company have 50 workers.

Besides, the New Labor law expects the company to maintain complete records of accommodation along with the salary threshold. They should regularly check the number of workers in the total workforce to understand the criteria. Additionally, the UAE expects the company to review housing arrangements to ensure safety and compliance with the UAE labor laws.

What are the UAE Labor Camp Standards?

UAE labor laws are strict to maintain the welfare of the employees at work. The law was backed by Cabinet Resolution no 13 of 2009. In 2026, addition law named Ministerial Resolution no 122 of 2026 was passed concerning standards of workforce housing.

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Both resolutions support a safe and healthy living environment for workers. The main motive is to promote dignity and decent living space for workers with improved hygiene, amenities, and protected environment.

What are the Housing Location Standards as per the UAE labor law?

There is a 5 Kilometer rule that states that workspace must be located in an industrial area instead of residential places.  Besides, the workplace must not be within 5 km of a housing society to ensure the security of the residents and workers.

There is an imposition of distance-based restrictions to ensure better health and safety for everyone.  The distance between the factory and living spaces should be at least 5 km. This ensures industrial sites are far away from residential spaces. This also prevents environmental pollution from industries from impacting the common people. UAE labor law expects the work zones and accommodation places to be clearly marked and separate from each other.

Moreover, the labor force should have suitable and safer accommodation in an ideal location to provide a better quality of living.

What are the Occupancy Space Parameters under UAE labor laws?

According to the standards set, workers should have at least three to four square meter of space for living, excluding kitchens and bathrooms.  This ensures that every worker gets access to improved sleeping spaces. UAE authorities regularly inspect residential spaces to ensure livable conditions for laborers.

Workers’ Rights for Accommodation, Working Hours and Health:

UAE labor law ensures the employees right security in terms of housing, working hours, safety, and health. Any employer who has more than 1000 workers or more should provide additional housing and recreational facilities. Housing space should be safe, and there should be 24-hour healthcare facilities in proximity.  In addition, the workers should have access to recreational facilities to allow them to relax and enjoy themselves after working hours.

Furthermore, Wi-Fi and Bank facilities should be in proximity to avail of financial services and better connectivity. This is to ensure the employees stay connected to their families in other countries across the globe. With improved Wi-Fi facility, workers can stay connected with their families abroad and also have time to reconnect with loved ones on official holidays, celebrations, and festivals.

Violation of Resolution and the legal consequences:

If the Resolution is violated by employers, UAE authorities will come into action. MOHRE and other Labor authorities will proactively look into the matter and scrutinize the UAE labor accommodation laws. The authorities will send an inspection team to the sites. Teams will ensure safe, healthy conditions and enforce other accommodation laws.

As a result, if negligence is traced, it can lead to financial liability for the employer. It can also result in company blacklisting or suspension of trading license. Therefore, it is advised to contact a professional Employment and Labor lawyer in the UAE to remain compliant with the new law. The legal experts have an understanding of the New Resolution and guide the employers according to the requirements and UAE labor accommodation laws.

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Things to Know for Employer:

Usually, employers think the approval to be one off which is not the case. It is an ongoing process where standards are expected to be maintained according to the UAE accommodate laws. Therefore, employers need to introduce housing standards within their workplace, and policies should be reviewed over time. Employers may lack knowledge, and this could result in heavy penalties.

A prolific labor lawyer can offer legal advice based on UAE accommodation rules. They can assist in setting accurate standards for workers in rode rot avoid financial liability. Labor attorneys in the UAE are well-aware with MOHRE labor accommodation standards and thus, can help employers with compliance.