The employees in UAE are provided with some of the following forms of leave according to UAE Labor Law to maintain their correct work-life balance and good health. All forms of leave are thus accompanied by corresponding rules and regulations and the terms of entitlement
In this guide, you will know the Types of Leave in UAE and all you need to know about it.
Leave Policies in the UAE
Employees in the UAE enjoy various leaves as a sign of the commitment of the country towards the employees. Equal treatment and leave to the employees by the employers is a mandatory requirement dictated by the UAE Labor Law.
Annual Leave
One of the basic benefits is the annual leave that gives employees the opportunity to rest and refresh.
Eligibility for Annual Leave
- Entitlement:Entitlement: The employees of the company, which is already served over six months, are provided with annual leaves.
- Duration:
- .To employees who served a company between six months and a year, it gives 2days at the end of the month.
- After a one year capability, 30 days per year
Calculating Annual Leave Days
sick days are accumulated via the employee’s service period and are given as days sick leave per year. In other firms, employees are allowed to take on forwarded days of leave which they had not countered in the other years.
Accumulation and Payment
When employees are not able to take their leave day because of obligations at work or when there are cases of resignation or termination of employees, employees are entitled to some payment on unused leave days.
Sick Leave
Sick leave will be handy to such employees who may not be able to go to work due to sickness.
Eligibility and Documentation
- Eligibility: Only when an employee has been in the organization not less than three months, sick leaves will be allowed.
- Required Documentation:
- It is necessary to issue documents on sick leave with remuneration by an authorized doctor or medical institution.
Sick Leave Duration and Pay
- 90 days per year: Sick leaves may be approved up to 90 days within a specific fiscal year and may assume the following forms:
- First 15 days: Full pay.
- Next 30 days: Half pay.
- Remaining 45 days: Unpaid.
Maternity Leave
It is typically offered in order to allow the mother to have a break as to give the adequate healing to her body and get a healthy child.
Duration of Maternity Leave
- Female employees: Under the maternity leave has right to take 60 days which consist of:
- First 45 days: Full pay.
- Next 15 days: Half pay.
Additional Leave for New Mothers
- Extended Leave:Mothers are also entitled to an extended leave of an unpaid 30 days in case of a need.
- Breastfeeding Breaks:Mothers who have recently given birth have the right to two 30 mins maternal breastfeeding sessions a day when the child is within the first year of the age at birth.
Paternity Leave
In the United Arab Emirates, new fathers now received paid parental leave which gave them the ability to be at home with their newly born children.
Duration and Eligibility
- Entitlement: A father is entitled to up to five days, paid parental leave, within 6 months of birth of a child.
Parental Leave
Another form of new leave in the UAE is the paid parental leave which enables employees to have time with his or her children.
Duration and Eligibility
- 5 days of paid leave: Both men and women have access to five days paid Parental leave that can be utilized within six months during which baby is born
Compassionate Leave
The compassionate leave is also applicable in cases where there are emergencies involving the immediate family and in most cases any death.
Eligibility and Duration
- Death of Spouse: 5 days paid vacation.
- Death of a Close Family Member (parent, sibling, child): 3 paid days off.
Compassionate leave gives the employees time to mourn and attend compulsory family ceremonies.
Hajj Leave
The Muslim employees are entitled to take leave in order to make the hajj, pilgrimage to Mecca.
Eligibility and Duration
- Hajj Leave Entitlement: Muslim employees are entitled to take one month leave (unpaid leave) in order to perform Hajj in case they have finished one year of service.
Only one would be given during the time the employee works in a company.
Study Leave
It touches on leaves accorded to those employees that are in a position to pursue their education in institutions of higher learning.
Eligibility and Duration
- Study Leave for UAE Nationals: Emirati workers can enjoy study leaves wherein UAE nationals get 10 days of study leave yearly provided they are pursuing higher education in an institute recognized by the UAE.
- Purpose: The leave is helpful in supporting the learning of the workers thereby boosting the UAE vision of a knowledgeable nation.
Unpaid Leave
IIn some circumstances workers may need leave beyond their allocated paid leave.
Conditions for Unpaid Leave
- Eligibility: The vacation leave is subject to the consent of the employer on personal business, long medical leave or an emergency.
- Impact on Employment: In majority of the instances, unpaid leaves would affect the services and end- of service benefits hence planning is vital.
Special Leave
Special leave is the inclusion of any other circumstance that is not listed in the normal leave policies.
Conditions and Approval
- Approval by Employer:Paid special leave is however granted at the discretion of the employer although it is normally exercised when there are special circumstances involved.
- Examples of Special Leave: Involvement in national events, taking part, representing the UAE in competitions, or other special cases.
Key Takeaways for Employees
Being aware of the leave entitlements is very crucial to balance the work-life situation and to balance personal performance. The leave policies of UAE denote good rather than bad working culture as it offers time off to employees to address their personal, family, and work-related demands.
Remember:
- IConsultations with your HR colleagues are always applicable when it comes to checking on the specific regulations concerning the leaves.
- It will also assist in adherence to the stipulated leave-related policies in place by the company including the timely submission of the leaves.
- Wisely take your leave because it does not only concern your health but also the needs and requirements of the organization.
Final Words
The facts given here will assist you to formulate a clear concept of the kind of leave provisions available in the UAE so that you can make the best out of your statutory leave. Therefore, having such information you will be endowed with knowledge of standing a balanced, and productive work experience as per required by UAE Labour Law.
