From 13 May 2020, companies licensed in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) can hire new categories of staff (“non-employees”), including seconded employees, temporary workers, contractors and interns. The measures feature in the Rules on Engaging Non-Employees 2019. The ADGM is an international financial center and free zone located in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Highlights of the new rules

• Prior to hiring a “non-employee,” ADGM employers must apply for a three, six or 12-month temporary work permit from the ADGM. Employers must maintain appropriate records for these worker categories.
• “Non-employee” categories do not appear to be covered by the ADGM’s Employment Regulations 2019). 
• Seconded workers are individuals assigned to work temporarily in the ADGM for an ADGM entity, and who are sponsored for their UAE residence and work permits by a non-ADGM entity.
• Outsourced individuals must work under an outsourcing agreement for one or more ADGM entities. They have to be sponsored for their UAE residence and work permits by a non-ADGM entity.
• Temporary freelancers are individuals who provide temporary services to an ADGM entity. They must have a freelancers’ permit issued by a UAE free zone. 
• Interns are allowed to work for an ADGM entity on a paid or unpaid basis to gain work experience.

Related resources

Non-Mercer resource

• Employment Regulations 2019 (Engaging Non-Employees) Rules 2019 (The Registrar of Abu Dhabi Global Market, 2019)