MoHRE lists six cases that bar employees from work injury compensation

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) on Thursday, 23 July, clarified the legal conditions under which private sector employees in the UAE lose their right to compensation for work-related injuries. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 regarding the Regulation of Labour Relations, compensation is withheld if the injury is found to be the result of a deliberate act or gross negligence by the worker. Grounds for compensation denial According to the ministry, there are six specific scenarios where an employer is not legally required to provide financial compensation. These include cases where an employee intentionally injures themselves or if the injury occurs while the worker was under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or psychotropic substances. The law also disqualifies claims if the employee deliberately violated the detailed safety instructions posted at the workplace. The ministry further noted that compensation is denied if the injury results from "gross and intentional misconduct" by the employee, or if the worker refuses to undergo medical examination or follow treatment protocols prescribed by a medical committee without a valid reason. These regulations are designed to ensure workplace safety protocols are strictly followed by the workforce. Reporting and medical verification The clarification comes as part of MoHRE’s ongoing efforts to educate the workforce on the 2021 Labour Law. For an injury to be classified as work-related, it must…