The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced a decision last week that allows some workers to work for multiple employers. These part-time contracts are only available to "highly-skilled" workers with a university degree or diploma - i.e., those classed in the Level 1 and Level 2 skill categories.

Workers do not need permission from their original employer to seek part-time employment elsewhere, and the original employer remains responsible for all labour fees and legally mandated benefits.

Previously, neither expatriates nor citizens could work for more than one employer.

Working for more than one employer remains illegal for all other workers, though such flexible employment options could be especially beneficial to lower-income migrant workers. These workers respond to a demand in the labour market for part-time work but are pushed into the black market and lack legal protections