Sick Leave Regulations in UAE: A Complete Guide for Employees and Employers
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has explicit labor laws regarding workers’ rights like sick leaves. It is essential for employers and employees to understand how sick leave law is in UAE to comply with it while maintaining a fair and effective working environment.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to UAE sick leave law, including eligibility, duration, salary compensation, documentation and special situations. Be it an employee desiring to learn about your rights or an employer desiring to stick to the laws, this guide will help you take advantage of UAE labor laws efficiently.
Understanding Sick Leave in the UAE
UAE Labor Law, under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, governs sick leave policies. According to the law, employees in the UAE have a right to sick leave entitlement after serving the minimum term of service. Such laws endeavor towards an equitable approach to ensure employers and employees as well as maintain productivity among them.
Eligibility Criteria for Sick Leave
To be qualified to avail sick leave in the UAE, an employee should:
- Completed not less than three months of consecutive service with the employer after satisfactory completion of his probation period.
- Provide a valid medical certificate from a recognized health facility.
- Inform their employer as soon as possible that they are ill.
Probationary Employees Sick Leave Regulations
Probation period in UAE labor law is typically three to six months, during which time the employees are under observation by their employers. Employees who are on probation period are not normally entitled to sick leave. However, in certain instances, employers can provide unpaid sick leave depending on company policies and the nature of the illness. It is recommended that workers always read their contracts and negotiate their salaries with their employer during this initial period.
Maternity-Related Sick Leave
Under Maternity leave UAE labor law, women workers are also provided with paid maternity leave so that they get enough time for recovery as well as to look after their newly born babies. Pregnant workers suffering from medical conditions are also provided with additional sick leave along with maternity leave if they submit supporting medical reports. This extra leave is provided in cases where health complications due to pregnancy prevent them from going back to work immediately after maternity leave. The employers must identify these medical conditions and provide the appropriate leave as per UAE labor laws.
Sick Leave for Work-Related Injuries
If an employee was injured while working, the employer should bear the medical costs and pay the employee their full wages for the duration of their recovery.
Documents Required for Sick Leave
To get sick leave, employees should provide:
- A medical certificate from a registered UAE medical doctor.
- Notification to the employer of their status.
- Provide further reports if required by the employer for longer sick leave.
Duration and Salary Entitlement
Sick leave in the UAE lasts for only 90 days per year, distributed in three grades of salary:
- First 15 days: Salary in full
- Following 30 days: Half salary
- Remaining 45 days: Leave without pay
These regulations provide workers with financial assistance to offset employer costs.
Employer Obligations on Sick Leave
Employers in the UAE are bound by some legal provisions for sick leave to ensure fairness and compliance with labor laws. These include acceptance of medical certificates from qualified healthcare providers as proof of a worker’s sickness. The employers have to actually pay wages on sick leave in a way given in the UAE labor law, which outlines the full pay, half pay, or unpaid leave pattern in keeping with the duration of the absence. Employers should not also discriminate against employees by giving them sick leave that is legally valid to ensure that sick leave absenteeism does not lead to the discriminatory dismissal of employees or Ghana’s economic sanction.
Employee Duties During Sick Leave
Employee rights in UAE assure workers of fair treatment and entitlement to basic benefits like sick leave. UAE employees need to adhere to certain procedures in taking medical leave to ensure business transparency and integrity. The employer is to be notified promptly by employees of the reason for illness with as minimal disruption as possible in business activities. Workers are also supposed to produce authentic medical certificates in favor of their sick leaves, verifying the fact that they cannot work due to illness. To maintain credibility and professionalism, the workers should also avoid misusing sick leave entitlements, as abuse of such facilities can invite disciplinary actions, salary deductions or termination of services.
Sick Leave in Free Zones
Each UAE Free Zone may have its own labor regulations for sick leave, but the majority are based on the general UAE Labor Law guidelines. Employees working in free zones should refer to specific guidelines with the relevant free zone organization.
Comparing UAE Sick Leave to Other Countries
The UAE’s sick leave policy is up to international standards:
- UAE: 90 days (15 full-pay, 30 half-pay, 45 unpaid)
- UK: Statutory Sick Pay (up to 28 weeks)
- USA: No federal law; state/employer differs
- Germany: Six weeks’ full pay, then 70% pay for up to 78 weeks
Conclusion
Understanding and compliance with sick leave policies in the UAE are important for employers and employees to enjoy a fair and legally compliant workplace. Employers can maintain a healthy work environment by adhering to the UAE labor law, while employees can safeguard their rights and benefits. Staying updated with the latest trends in labor laws can help both parties navigate any changes successfully.
For the most up-to-date information and expert opinion on UAE labor law, visit wikiHow and discover your rights and responsibilities!
FAQs
1. Can I take sick leave during my probation period in the UAE?
No, sick leave is not applicable during probation unless the employer allows unpaid leave.
2. What happens if I exceed 90 days of sick leave?
Your employer can terminate your contract, but you will still be entitled to end-of-service benefits.
3. Is sick leave counted as part of annual leave?
No, sick leave is separate from annual leave pay.
