The UAE is to implement major changes to its labour laws on January 1, when it plans to introduce standard contracts and ease the process for those switching jobs, it was reported.

Ministry of Labour decrees 764, 765 and 766 will see the creation of a new unified labour contract, it was reported. These contracts cannot be amended unless approved by the ministry.

The guidelines also set down new conditions regarding the termination of contracts and the granting of work permits.

“The primary purpose of the decrees is to delink sponsorship and labour relations,” Gulf News reported.

“The former serves to secure legal entry and temporary residence in the UAE, while the latter is governed by an employment contract the terms of which are compliant with national labour legislation and regulation.”

New rules set out by the ministry will boost transparency and encourage more flexible conditions for workers, it was reported.

“The new rules will also bring greater transparency, clarity and tighter monitoring of labour contract conditions and ensure both employer and employee enter into fully voluntary relationships,” the Ministry of Labour said in a statement.