Working in UAE: Nine types of holidays employees can enjoy – News

Here is a list of leave that residents and nationals can apply for

Emiratis have the option to apply for various types of leave, including the newly introduced compassionate or bereavement leave.

There are nine types of leave and entitlements available to staff, students and parents, such as pilgrimage, caring for a newborn and compassionate leave in the event of the death of a close relative.

Interestingly, bereavement leave, parental leave, annual leave and unpaid leave can be combined by negotiation between the employee and the employer.

Below is a list of holidays available to UAE residents and nationals.

1. student leave: Employees studying in one of the educational institutions in the UAE are entitled to 10 days of paid leave per year to sit for exams. To be eligible to apply, employees must have completed at least two years of service with their employer.

2. sick leave: Employees can take up to 90 days of sick leave per year after the probationary period. It can be continuous or intermittent and the employee must notify the employer within three days along with a medical report. Employees are entitled to full pay for 15 days, half pay for the next 30 days and no pay for 45 days. However, the employee is not eligible for paid sick leave during the probationary period, an illness caused by the employee’s misconduct (drinking or drug use, traffic violation, etc.), or the employee’s violation of safety rules. An employer cannot fire an employee during sick leave, but only if the worker fails to return after the sick leave.

3. annual leave: Since most workers are foreigners in the country, annual leave is important as they all look forward to seeing their loved ones. UAE employees can apply for annual leave six months after joining the company. They can get 30 days of paid time off after a year, but two days in a month if they complete six months instead of a year.

However, part-time workers are entitled to annual leave in accordance with the contract with their employer. Employees can carry forward no more than half of their annual leave to the next year, and can also agree with the employer to receive cash allowances. For those who resign or are dismissed, the remaining annual leave will be paid in cash according to the basic salary standard.

4. Hajj/Umrah to leave: Employers can grant special leave for Hajj (Muslims go on a pilgrimage to Mecca), and the leave should not exceed 30 days. Awarded only once during the company’s employment.

However, there is nothing in UAE labor law that entitles employees to take Umrah leave. Deduction or consideration of unpaid leave from the employee’s annual leave as agreed by the employer.

5. parental leave: A worker in the private sector is entitled to five working days of paid leave, provided he submits the child’s birth certificate. The leave period starts from the date of the child’s birth until the child is six months old.

6. maternity leave: Female workers are entitled to 60 days of vacation, of which 45 days are full-paid vacations and 15 days are half-paid vacations. However, expectant mothers should apply for leave up to 30 days before the due date. Mothers can apply for 45 days of unpaid leave if they are unable to return to work due to illness and problems related to pregnancy or childbirth. Female workers are entitled to an additional 30 days of paid leave if the baby is sick or disabled. This leave can be extended for a further 30 days without pay.

7. bereavement leave or bereavement leave: Employees can claim five days of paid leave in the event of the death of a spouse and three days of paid leave in the event of the death of a parent, child, sibling, grandchild or grandparent. Leave time is counted from the date of death, upon return to work a death certificate is required.

8. official vacation: UAE labor law stipulates that employees in the private sector are entitled to at least one day of paid rest per week. Companies can increase the number of days off per week. In addition, employees are entitled to paid leave during public holidays such as New Year, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha.

9. take a vacation: Citizens of the UAE are entitled to leave for national and reserve service in accordance with the laws and regulations of the country.