DUBAI: The UAE has offered private companies, who are either facing excess or shortage of labor, several options to cope with safety measures the government has implemented due to the coronavirus pandemic. “In light of the current situation and upon agreement of both parties; it is permissible to temporarily modify work contracts during the ongoing precautionary measures,” the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation said in a statement. A worker is also entitled, in agreement with the private employer, to unpaid leave should the business suspend its operations while the government’s precautionary measures remain in place. Surplus workers meanwhile have to be registered on the Virtual Labor Market to avail of job opportunities outside an employee’s company, but must maintain ‘compliance with contractual commitments until the transfer to the other establishment is completed, the ministry said. Temporary contracting has also been allowed by the UAE government throughout the recruitment of surplus workers from other companies, either as temporary transfers or part-time work. The ministry likewise issued a guidance for private employers who have UAE nationals in their workforce, among which notifying them to of the agency’s commitment to “develop supportive bundles to ensure the continuation of nationals in the labor market.” The ministry will also supervise and monitor the implementation of Ministerial Decree No. 212 of 2018, which involves the private-sector participation and job security UAE nationals. On cases of job termination of UAE nationals that are lodged at Tatween Customer Happiness Centers, the ministry said they would evaluate those and present recommendations whether the concerned individuals would retain their positions or would be given opportunity with another employer.