Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on Labour Relations determines various leaves which private sector employees in the UAE must receive. The regulations protect employee welfare and preserve operational efficiency in businesses. This analysis explores both the different leave options for private sector employees together with their qualification requirements as well as the regulations that control these leaves.
1. Annual Leave
The UAE labor laws give employees their annual leave privileges after they complete six months of service.
Entitlements:
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- Personnel earn 30 days of paid leave after their first year on the job.
- Employees who finish their six-month service period but remain under one year receive two leave days each month.
Key Rules:
- Workforce members need to utilize their annual leave during the specific year they become entitled to it.
- Business needs allow employers to change leave dates provided they inform employees at least one month beforehand.
- The unused leave allowance requires employer approval to transfer to the next period.
- Termination payments for accumulated leave account for basic salary rates.
Part-Time Employees:
Leave entitlement corresponds to actual working hours which appear in the employment contract.
2. Sick Leave
After their probationary period concludes employees can access up to 90 days of sick leave each year.
Salary Entitlements:
- First 15 days: Full pay.
- Next 30 days: Half pay.
- Remaining 45 days: Unpaid.
Conditions:
- Employees must submit their medical certificate within three days following their absence from work.
- Employees on probation must obtain employer approval to receive unpaid sick leave.
- The company does not provide compensation for sick leave taken because of misconduct related to alcohol or drug abuse or safety violations.
3. Maternity Leave
All women employees have access to a 60-day maternity leave period.
Provisions:
- 45 days: Full pay.
- 15 days: Half pay.
- Additional 45 days: Women can take an extra 45 days of unpaid leave when pregnancy or childbirth causes medical complications that require proof from a doctor.
- Mothers receive two extra 30-day periods when their child is ill or disabled: one period with full compensation followed by a second unpaid period.
Nursing Breaks:
Mothers receive up to two paid nursing breaks that last no more than one hour daily during their first six months after giving birth.
4. Parental Leave
The UAE initiated paid parental leave for private sector workers in 2020 to become the first Arab nation with this benefit.
Details:
- Duration: 5 working days.
- Eligibility: Parents have access to leave benefits during their child’s first six months of life.
5. Compassionate Leave (Bereavement Leave)
Employees receive compassionate leave to manage the death of their direct relatives.
Entitlements:
- 5 days: Upon the death of a spouse.
- 3 days: Upon the death of a parent, child, sibling, grandchild, or grandparent.
6. Study Leave
Employees who study at recognized institutions in the UAE qualify for study leave.
Eligibility:
- Part-time students receive 10 days annually specifically for taking their examinations.
- Employee qualification requires two years of service to be completed with their current employer.
7. Sabbatical Leave
Emirati private-sector workers get this exclusive leave option.
Purpose:
- The UAE laws require this leave as national service provision for employees.
- Fully paid leave.
8. Hajj and Umrah Leave
Workers receive entitlements to take time off from work for their religious obligations.
Hajj Leave:
- Duration: Up to 30 days (unpaid).
- Eligibility: Granted once during employment.
Umrah Leave:
- The UAE Labour Law does not cover Umrah leave specifically. When Umrah leave occurs employers have the choice between unpaid leave approval or annual leave deduction.
9. Official Leaves and Public Holidays
Private sector employees receive one paid weekly rest day together with any announced public holidays.
Working on Public Holidays:
Employees working on official holidays are entitled to:
- An alternate rest day, or
- Employees receive their basic daily wage together with an extra 50% of their base salary when working on public holidays.
Key Takeaways
- Leave Entitlements Vary: Employers may offer additional benefits based on company policies.
- Compliance with UAE Labour Law: Both employers and employees must adhere to the guidelines to ensure smooth operations.
- Communication is Key: Employees must notify employers promptly for leaves like sick leave or compassionate leave, supported by required documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which types of leave do UAE employees typically have access to?
Under specific conditions the UAE Labour Law extends leave entitlements to include annual leave, sick leave, maternity leave and also parental leave together with Hajj leave and study leave.
2. How Is Annual Leave Calculated in the UAE?
An employees’ length of service calculates their annual leave entitlement. Employees who have completed more than one year earn a full 30 days of leave while those with six to twelve months of service accumulate two leave days each month.
3. Which regulations apply to sick leave for workers in the UAE?
After completing probation employees earn a maximum of 90 days of sick leave each year receiving full wages during the first 15 days followed by half-pay over the next 30 days and no pay for the rest of the sick leave.
4. Can Employers Reject Leave Applications in the UAE?
Employers in the UAE reserve the right to deny leave requests when they breach compliance with UAE Labour Law or company guidelines because of inadequate reasons or unmet eligibility conditions.
Employees who understand leave provisions can schedule their time off properly and meet labour law requirements. The UAE extends these leaves to show their commitment to balancing work and life through different personal, professional or family circumstances. With access to these benefits employees maintain their work performance while fulfilling their personal obligations.
