Sick Leave In The UAE: What You Need To Know

Feeling under the weather in the UAE?

No worries, we’ve got your back, or should we say, your sniffles covered!

You’ll be pleased to know that the UAE Labor Law is generous regarding annual leave.

This article unpacks the ins and outs of sick leave in the UAE, a safety net for employees when health hiccups happen.

Let’s dive in!

Does The UAE Have Paid Sick Leave?

Yes, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has provisions for paid sick leave for employees as part of its labor laws.

According to UAE Labor Law, employees are entitled to a sick leave of up to 90 days per year, with full pay for the first 15 days, half pay for the next 30 days, and no pay for the remaining 45 days.

Employees must have worked for their employer for at least three months to be eligible for sick leave.

They must also provide a medical certificate from a government-approved medical facility to verify their illness.

Additionally, employers can request a second medical opinion to confirm the employee’s condition.

It is important to note that the specific details of sick leave entitlements and procedures may vary depending on the employee’s contract and company policies.

Employees should check their employment contracts or consult their HR department.

How Much Is Sick Pay In The UAE

In the UAE, sick pay is calculated based on the length of an employee’s service and the number of sick days taken.

The amount of sick pay an employee is entitled to vary depending on the length of their sickness and employment contract.

According to UAE Labor Law, employees are entitled to sick leave of up to 90 days per year, with full pay for the first 15 days, half pay for the next 30 days, and no pay for the remaining 45 days.

This means that an employee who is sick for up to 15 days will receive their full salary, while an employee who is sick for 16 to 45 days will receive half their salary.

It’s important to note that some companies may offer more generous sick leave benefits than the minimum requirements under UAE Labor Law.

Additionally, the details of sick pay entitlements and procedures may vary depending on the employee’s contract and company policies.

Employees should check their employment contracts or consult their HR department.

How Many Sick Days Do You Get A Year In The UAE?

In the UAE, employees are entitled to up to 90 days of sick leave per year per UAE Labor Law.

However, the number of sick days an employee can take with full pay, partial pay, or no pay varies based on the length of their service and their employer’s policies.

Employees are entitled to full pay for the first 15 days of sick leave. For the next 30 days, they are entitled to half pay, and for the remaining 45 days, they are entitled to no pay.

It’s important to note that some employers may offer more generous sick leave benefits than the minimum requirements under UAE Labor Law, and the specific details of sick leave entitlements and procedures may vary depending on the employee’s contract and company policies.

Employees should check their employment contracts or consult their HR department.

How Many Days Can You Be Sick Without A Doctor’s Note?

In the UAE, if an employee is sick, they must provide their employer with a medical certificate from a government-approved medical facility to verify their illness if they want to take sick leave.

According to UAE Labor Law, if an employee is absent from work due to illness for three consecutive days or less, they are not required to provide a medical certificate.

However, if an employee is absent for four or more consecutive days, they must provide their employer with a medical certificate.

It’s important to note that some employers may have different policies regarding sick leave and medical certificates.

Employees should check their employment contracts or consult with their HR department for more information on their company’s specific policies.

3 Steps To Call In Sick In The UAE

If you are an employee in the UAE and need to call in sick, here are three general steps to follow:

1. Notify your employer: You should notify your employer or manager as soon as you realize you cannot go to work due to illness. This could be done via phone, email, or any other means of communication that your employer accepts. It would help if you informed them of the reason for your absence and the estimated duration of your absence.
2. Follow company procedures: Your employer may have specific procedures for calling in sick, such as notifying a particular person or department. You should follow these procedures to ensure that your absence is recorded correctly and that you receive the appropriate sick pay.
3. Provide a medical certificate: If your absence is for four or more consecutive days, you are required by UAE Labor Law to provide your employer with a medical certificate from a government-approved medical facility to verify your illness. You should obtain the medical certificate and submit it to your employer as soon as possible.

It’s important to note that some employers may have different sick leave policies and procedures, so you should check your employment contract or consult with your HR department for more information.

What Am I Allowed To Do During A Sick Leave In The UAE?

During a sick leave in the UAE, employees are expected to rest and focus on recovering from their illness.

It is essential to follow the instructions of the treating physician and avoid any activities that may hinder the recovery process.

Here are some general guidelines for what an employee is allowed to do during a sick leave in the UAE:

1. Rest: The primary purpose of sick leave is to rest and recover from an illness. Employees should avoid activities that may exacerbate their condition or interfere with recovery.
2. Seek medical treatment: Employees are encouraged to seek medical treatment and follow the instructions of their treating physician to facilitate their recovery.
3. Stay home: Employees should avoid going to work or other public places until they have recovered fully and are no longer contagious.
4. Communicate with the employer: Employees should stay in touch with their employer and update them on their condition and expected return to work date.

It’s important to note that specific requirements and restrictions may vary based on the nature of the illness and the employer’s policies. Employees should check their employment contracts or consult their HR department.

How Much Is Annual Leave In The UAE?

In the UAE, annual leave entitlements are specified in the UAE Labor Law.

According to the law, employees who have completed at least one year of continuous service with their employer are entitled to a minimum of 30 calendar days of paid annual leave per year.

It’s important to note that the 30 days of annual leave can include weekends and public holidays, but it cannot be divided into shorter periods.

Additionally, an employer may grant more than 30 days of annual leave but cannot offer less than the minimum requirement.

Employees who have not completed one year of service with their employer are entitled to receive annual leave on a pro-rata basis based on the length of their service.

It’s important to note that the specifics of annual leave entitlements and procedures may vary depending on the employee’s contract and company policies.

Employees should check their employment contracts or consult their HR department.

Conclusion 

And there you have it, a comprehensive guide to navigating the sea of sick leave in the UAE.

Remember, health comes first, and it’s reassuring to know that the UAE Labor Law has provisions to ensure your well-being.

So next time you’re feeling under the weather, you’ll know exactly what to do.

Happy resting!