Working women preparing to give birth or who have just given birth are entitled to maternity leave. The established maternity leave regulations in the UAE provide essential job protection and support, improving moms’ emotional and physical well-being and strengthening the link between mother and child.
Understanding maternity leave in UAE
In the UAE, maternity leave for female employees is typically granted for 60 days. The UAE government website states that there are 45 days of full pay and 15 days of half-paid leave, totalling 60 days. Maternity leave can be taken by pregnant women up to 30 days before the expected date of delivery. In the event of any birth-related medical emergency, an additional 45 days of unpaid leave may be used in addition to the allotted 60 days. However, approval of an official medical report will be needed for this extra time. The 60-day is a guideline, but it’s not fixed.
Certain private sector companies frequently have policies that are specific to business. Emirates airline most recently said that it will increase the length of its paid maternity leave from 60 to 90 days. The corporation has decided to extend the nursing break for all new moms from one hour to two hours in addition to the extra month.
Rules of maternity leave in UAE
Here are some maternity leave regulations. Below are pointers that explain it in detail.
These labor laws provide entitlements for female employees, including job protection, compensation, and the right to maternity leave.
UAE labor law framework
Maternity leave laws require that female employees have the right to maternity leave under UAE Federal Law No. 8 of 1980, commonly referred to as the UAE Labour Law. All female employees in the United Arab Emirates are subject to this rule, including those with fixed-term contracts, part-timers, and those in free zones.
Maternity leave duration
According to the UAE Labour Law, female workers are entitled to 45 days of paid maternity leave plus an extra 15 days of paid leave. Should the female employee experience any difficulties at the time of giving birth, she could be eligible for an extra 15 days of paid leave. It is possible for working women to start their maternity leave up to 30 days before the due date. If the child is ill or disabled, the mother is entitled to an extra 30 days of paid leave and an additional 30 days of unpaid leave. She just has to present a medical certificate from an accredited medical authority.
The UAE Cabinet passed a labour law reform in 2019 that increased the length of maternity leave from 45 days to 90 days after accounting for unpaid or combined leave, such as yearly or sick leave. The reform also specifies that mothers without one year of service receive half-pay maternity leave. Whether they work for the government or the private sector, all female employees in the UAE are covered by the recently passed UAE Labour Law.
Eligibility criteria
In the United Arab Emirates, female employees must have worked continuously for their company for a minimum of a year to be eligible for maternity leave. However, a female employee may still be eligible for unpaid maternity leave even if she hasn’t worked for a full year.
Termination policy
When an employee takes maternity leave and returns to work after two months, no company can terminate them. This implies that a worker cannot be fired by their company just because she recently returned from maternity leave or is currently on it. The women can complete their unfinished tasks and become more productive. The ban on termination during maternity leave and for two months following its expiration encourages women to look after their children and themselves without worrying about their work security. It helps them in finishing up the unfinished business in their careers.
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Reimbursement for fully paid maternity leave
During their 45-day sabbatical, pregnant female employees are entitled to full compensation. For the period of the absence, companies are required to pay their usual wage, together with any allowances and perks. After that, mothers are eligible for an additional 15 days of paid maternity leave.
Employer support and policies
Employers in the UAE can demonstrate their support for new mothers by implementing policies and procedures that benefit working mothers. Some examples include:
- Fully paid maternity leave: The UAE Labor Law mandates that new mothers be provided fully paid maternity leave for at least 45 days. This ensures that they can take the necessary time off without financial stress.
- Additional paid leave: Offer additional paid leave or flexible work arrangements to support new mothers transitioning back to work. This can include extending the paid leave period or allowing for a gradual return to full-time work.
- Lactation rooms: Provide access to lactation rooms or breastfeeding facilities to support breastfeeding new mothers. This can help them manage their breastfeeding needs while at work.
- Employee assistance programs: Offer employee assistance programs, such as counseling or childcare resources, to support new mothers in their personal and professional lives. These programs can provide valuable support and resources during a challenging time.
Supporting working mothers in the UAE
Working mothers in the UAE face unique challenges balancing their work and family responsibilities. Employers and policymakers must provide support and resources to help working mothers succeed in their careers. By doing so, they can promote gender equality and diversity in the workplace. This will contribute to the economic growth and development of the UAE.
Available resources and programs
There are several resources and programs available to support working mothers in the UAE, including:
- UAE Labour Law: The UAE Labour Law provides a legal framework for maternity leave and benefits for working mothers. It ensures that female employees are entitled to maternity leave and other related benefits.
- Dubai government’s maternity leave policy: The Dubai government offers up to 120 days of paid maternity leave for female employees. This provides significant support for new mothers.
- Abu Dhabi government’s maternity leave policy: The Abu Dhabi government provides up to 90 days of paid maternity leave for female employees, ensuring that new mothers have adequate time to recover and bond with their newborns.
- Private sector initiatives: Companies like Emirates airline offer extended paid maternity leave and flexible work arrangements to support new mothers. These initiatives set a positive example for other private-sector companies.
- Employee assistance programs: Employers can provide employee assistance programs, such as counseling or childcare resources, to support working mothers in their personal and professional lives. These programs can help alleviate some of the challenges faced by working mothers.
Employers and policymakers can promote gender equality and diversity in the workplace. And support the economic growth and development of the UAE by providing support and resources to working mothers.
Conclusion
In the UAE, maternity leave is essential for working women. They must know the duration, requirements, and specifics of paid and unpaid leave. Male workers in the UAE are eligible for paternity leave. It’s essential to remain updated with the ministry’s most recent modifications. Implementation of maternity benefits has led to an increase in women’s employment and postnatal job resumption.
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