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The UAE sick leave law provides employees with the right to take sick leave when they are unable to work because of illness. For employees covered by the UAE private-sector Labour Law, sick leave can be taken for up to 90 days per year, subject to the conditions established by the law.
https://uaewow.com/labour-law/sick-leave-uae/
Understanding the rules around sick leave UAE is important for both employees and employers, particularly regarding medical certificates, payment during leave, and t... moreThe UAE sick leave law provides employees with the right to take sick leave when they are unable to work because of illness. For employees covered by the UAE private-sector Labour Law, sick leave can be taken for up to 90 days per year, subject to the conditions established by the law.
https://uaewow.com/labour-law/sick-leave-uae/
Understanding the rules around sick leave UAE is important for both employees and employers, particularly regarding medical certificates, payment during leave, and the rules applicable during probation.
How Many Sick Leave Days Are Allowed in the UAE?
Under Article 31 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, after completing the probationary period, a private-sector employee may be entitled to up to 90 days of sick leave per year. The 90 days can be taken continuously or intermittently.
The payment structure is:
Sick Leave Payment
First 15 days Full pay
Next 30 days Half pay
Remaining 45 days Unpaid
Maximum 90 days per year
Therefore, an employee can potentially receive sick leave for 90 days, but the entire period is not paid at the full salary rate.
Sick Leave During Probation
The rules are different during the probation period. Under the UAE Labour Law, an employee is not entitled to paid sick leave during probation.
However, an employer may grant sick leave without pay when a medical report confirms that the employee needs leave.
Employees should therefore check their employment contract and company procedures if they become ill while still on probation.
Medical Certificate for Sick Leave UAE
When an employee becomes sick because of an illness that is not related to a work injury, the law requires the employee to inform the employer or their representative within three working days and submit a medical report issued by the relevant medical entity.
Employees should inform their employer as soon as possible rather than waiting until they return to work. They should also follow the company's procedure for submitting medical certificates and recording leave.
Is Sick Leave Paid in the UAE?
Yes, eligible employees can receive payment during part of their statutory sick leave.
The first 15 days are paid in full, while the following 30 days are paid at half pay. Any remaining sick leave within the 90-day maximum is unpaid.
For example, if an eligible employee takes 20 days of sick leave, the first 15 days would generally be at full pay and the remaining five days at half pay, subject to the applicable legal requirements.
Can an Employer Terminate an Employee After Long Sick Leave?
The UAE Labour Law provides that an employer may terminate an employee's service after the employee has finished the sick leave referred to in Article 31 if the employee is unable to return to work. The employee must still receive their financial entitlements according to the applicable law and regulations.
This does not mean an employer can simply dismiss an employee because they take a normal period of lawful sick leave.
When Sick Leave May Not Be Paid
The law states that an employee is not entitled to wages for sick leave when the illness results from the employee's misconduct in circumstances defined by the Implementing Regulation.
For this reason, employees should follow workplace rules and provide the required medical documentation.
Sick Leave for Work-Related Injuries
Illness or injury resulting from work may be subject to separate rules concerning occupational injury and compensation. The UAE Government explains that non-work-related illness is covered by the standard sick-leave provisions, while work injuries have their own compensation framework.
Employees who become ill or injured because of their work should therefore follow the applicable reporting and medical procedures.
How to Apply for Sick Leave in the UAE
The usual process is straightforward:
Inform your employer about your illness as soon as possible.
Visit an appropriate medical facility if medical assessment is required.
Obtain the required medical report or sick-leave certificate.
Submit the document to your employer according to company procedures.
Keep a copy of the medical documentation for your records.
Follow your employer's instructions regarding your return to work.
UAE Sick Leave Law for Private-Sector Employees
The rules discussed above primarily relate to employees covered by the UAE's federal private-sector Labour Law. Different employment categories, including certain government-sector employees and domestic workers, can be governed by separate legislation or regulations. The UAE Government identifies sick leave as one of the statutory leave categories for private-sector employees.
Final Thoughts
The UAE sick leave law allows eligible private-sector employees to take up to 90 days of sick leave per year after the probationary period. The first 15 days are paid in full, the next 30 days are paid at half salary, and the remaining 45 days are unpaid.
Employees should notify their employer promptly and provide the required medical documentation. Because employment circumstances can differ, it is always advisable to check the latest official UAE Government and Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation information for the rules applicable to your specific employment category.
