Medical Certificate for Sick Leave in UAE

In the UAE, obtaining a Medical Certificate for Sick Leave is more than a bureaucratic step. It’s a critical aspect of managing your health and work-life balance. This article aims to make a confusing task simple. Focusing on clarity, we address common queries and offer straightforward solutions, ensuring that getting your medical certificate is hassle-free.

Whether you’re facing this for the first time or looking for a more efficient way to handle the procedure, our guide provides you with all the necessary information, enabling you to secure your certificate swiftly and get back to what’s important – your health and well-being.

What is a Medical Certificate? A medical certificate is an important document provided by a doctor or healthcare professional. It confirms that an individual has been examined and is medically unwell or injured. This certificate usually explains the nature of the illness or injury and suggests a period of rest or absence from work or school. It serves as official evidence for employers or educational institutions to justify the absence of an individual due to health reasons.

What is Sick Leave? Sick leave refers to the time an employee is allowed to be away from work due to health issues. This time is specifically for the employee to recover from an illness or attend to a medical condition. Employers offer sick leave as part of employee benefits, recognizing that employees sometimes need to prioritize their health without the added stress of work responsibilities. During sick leave, employees can focus on getting proper treatment and rest, which is essential for their well-being and a speedy recovery.

Why Do You Need a Medical Certificate for a Sick Leave?

• Is it the requirement of the employer?

Yes, a medical certificate is usually needed for sick leave. Employers ask for this certificate because of many important reasons. These are the following;

• • Employers need to verify that an employee is actually sick and unable to work in order to approve their leave request. 
  • It helps to prevent employees from abusing sick leave by taking time off when they are not actually sick.
  • It can help to protect the employer from liability if an employee is injured while working while on sick leave.
  • It can help to ensure that employees are not spreading contagious illnesses to their co-workers.
• Is it the requirement according to the UAE Labour Law?

Yes, according to Article 31 of the UAE Labour Law, an employee must notify their employer of their sickness within a maximum of three days. and submit a medical report on their condition issued by a medical entity.

In addition to the UAE Labour Law, there are several other regulations that govern sick leave in the UAE. For example, the Dubai Health Authority has a policy that requires employees who take more than five days of sick leave to have their medical certificate attested by the Ministry of Health and Prevention.

• Does it increase the chances of acceptance?

Yes, providing a medical certificate with your sick leave request can increase the chances of your request being approved. This is because it shows your employer that you are serious about your illness and that you are taking steps to get better.

• What conditions qualify for obtaining a medical certificate?

There are many conditions that may qualify for obtaining a medical certificate for sick leave. Some of the most common conditions include:

• • The common cold or flu
  • Other respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia or bronchitis
  • Digestive illnesses, such as gastroenteritis or food poisoning
  • Musculoskeletal injuries, such as sprains or strains
  • Chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or asthma
  • Mental health conditions, such as anxiety or depression

If you are unsure whether you need a medical certificate for sick leave, you should consult with your doctor or human resources department.

How to Get a Medical Certificate for Sick Leave in UAE

• How does it work?

Obtaining a medical certificate for sick leave in the UAE involves consulting with a licensed healthcare professional, such as a doctor or physician, to undergo a medical examination and receive a formal document stating your condition and its impact on your ability to work. This certificate serves as official documentation for your employer to verify your illness and approve your sick leave request.

• Who provides it? Hospital, doctors, clinic, or someone else? Are they legally authorized to provide medical certificates for sick leave?

Medical certificates for sick leave can be issued by licensed healthcare providers, including:

• Hospitals: General hospitals, specialized hospitals, and clinics within hospitals can provide medical certificates.

• Doctors: Private clinics, medical centers, and individual doctors’ offices can also issue medical certificates.

• Government Health Centers: Public health centers and clinics operated by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) can also provide medical certificates.

All licensed healthcare providers in the UAE are authorized to issue medical certificates for sick leave. They are bound by professional ethics and regulations to ensure the accuracy and validity of the certificates they issue.

• What’s the process to acquire a medical certificate?

• Visit a licensed healthcare provider

Consult a doctor, physician, or clinic that is authorized to issue medical certificates.

• Explain your condition

Clearly explain your illness or medical condition to the healthcare provider. Provide details about your symptoms, duration of illness, and any previous medical history related to your condition.

• Undergo a medical examination

The healthcare provider will conduct a medical examination to assess your condition and determine its impact on your ability to work. This may involve physical examinations, diagnostic tests, or consultations with specialists if necessary.

• Receive the medical certificate

Upon completion of the examination and evaluation, the healthcare provider will issue a medical certificate. The certificate will typically include your personal details, date of examination, diagnosis, and a statement of your ability to work or the recommended duration of sick leave.

• Can I request a sick leave certificate for a previous date?

Yes, you can request a medical certificate for a previous date within the acceptable timeframe specified by your employer’s policies or the UAE Labour Law. However, it is important to provide a valid reason for the delayed request, such as hospitalization or delayed access to medical care.

• Can I take sick leave without a UAE health certificate?

In some cases, your employer may accept a self-declaration or a verbal explanation of your illness for short-term sick leave, typically up to two days. However, for longer absences or recurring sick leave, a medical certificate is generally required. The UAE Labour Law mandates a medical certificate for sick leave of more than three days.

Medical Certificate Attestation

• Does the medical certificate required attestation?

Whether or not a medical certificate requires attestation depends on the purpose of the certificate. If you are using the certificate to apply for a visa or to submit to a government agency, it will likely need to be attested. However, if you are using the certificate to excuse an absence from work or school, it may not need to be attested.

• Who can attest to it?

The person who can attest to a medical certificate depends on the purpose of the certificate. If the certificate is for immigration purposes, it will need to be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC). If the certificate is for use within the UAE, it may be attested by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) or by a government-approved attestation service provider.

• What’s the process?

The process for attesting a medical certificate varies depending on the purpose of the certificate and the attestation authority. However, the general process is as follows:

• • Obtain the original medical certificate from the physician or medical facility that issued it.

• • Complete an attestation application form.

• • Submit the application form, the original medical certificate, and any other required documents to the attestation authority.

• • Pay the attestation fee.

• • Collect the attested medical certificate once the attestation process is complete.

• How quickly can I get a medical certificate?

It depends on whether you are referring to the time it takes to get the certificate from the physician or the time it takes to get the certificate attested.

1. a) Getting a medical certificate from the physician

You can typically get a medical certificate within a day or two. This is because most physicians and medical facilities can perform an examination and provide you with a certificate on the same day. However, if you have a complex medical condition or if your physician needs to order additional tests, it may take longer to get your certificate.

1. b) Getting a medical certificate attested

The time it takes to attest a medical certificate depends on the attestation authority. However, the attestation process can typically be completed within a few days or a week. The specific time frame will vary depending on the attestation authority’s workload and the complexity of your case.

How to Apply for Sick Leave and Submit the Medical Certificate?

• What conditions would you require sick leave?

Sick leave is typically granted for the following reasons:

• • If you are sick and unable to work, you may need to take sick leave. This could be due to a cold, flu, other respiratory illness, digestive illness, musculoskeletal injury, chronic illness, or mental health condition.

• • If you have a medical appointment that you cannot reschedule, you may need to take sick leave. This could be for a routine checkup, a follow-up appointment, or a treatment session.

• • If you have a family emergency that requires your attention, you may need to take sick leave. This could be due to a sick child, a family member who has been injured, or a death in the family.

• When would you need to provide a medical certificate?

You may need to provide a medical certificate to support your sick leave request if:

• • You are taking more than three days of sick leave.

• • Your employer requests a medical certificate for all sick leave requests.

• • Your employer has reason to believe that you are not actually sick.

Email Template for Sick Leave

Subject: Request for Sick Leave – [Your Full Name]

Dear [Employer/Manager’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inform you that, unfortunately, I have fallen ill and need to take a sick leave to recover. My doctor has advised me to rest and focus on my health for the next [number of days] days.

I have attached my medical certificate, as per our company’s policy, which provides the necessary details of my condition and the recommended period of rest.

During my absence, I will ensure that my responsibilities are covered. I have briefed [Colleague’s Name] about my current projects and tasks. [Colleague’s Name] has kindly agreed to oversee my duties during this period. Should any urgent matters arise, I will be available for consultation via email.

I apologize for any inconvenience my absence may cause and appreciate your understanding and support during this time. I aim to return to work fully recovered by [return date].

Thank you for your consideration. Please let me know if any further information or arrangements are needed.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Position]

[Your Contact Information]

• Who at the company is responsible for accepting or rejecting sick leave? Line manager? HR?

The person responsible for accepting or rejecting sick leave requests will vary depending on the company’s policies and procedures. In some companies, the line manager will be responsible for making the decision, while in other companies, the HR department will be responsible.

If you are unsure who to submit your sick leave request to, you should consult with your company’s employee handbook or contact your HR department.

Sick Leaves According to the UAE Labour Law

According to Article 65 of the UAE Labour Law, employees are entitled to up to 90 days of sick leave per year. This leave can be taken continuously or intermittently.

Employees are eligible for sick leave if they are unable to work due to illness or injury. This includes both physical and mental health conditions.

If an employee needs more sick leaves than the 90 days allowed by law, they may be able to take additional leave without pay. However, this is at the discretion of the employer.

Does the sick leave roll over to next year or can it be uncashed?

No, sick leave does not roll over to the next year. Unused sick leave is forfeited at the end of the year. Here is a table that summarizes the sick leave entitlements for employees in the UAE: