Maternity Leave in UAE

The world of parenthood is an enriching yet demanding journey. For working mothers, balancing professional responsibilities with the joys of motherhood can be particularly challenging. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the government has implemented comprehensive maternity leave policies to support new mothers and ensure mothers and their newborns’ well-being during this critical period.

This article delves into maternity leave policies in the UAE, exploring its duration, entitlements, and far-reaching impact on both mothers and society. Brace yourself for an informative journey about maternity leave in UAE! Let’s dive deep into it!

How much maternity leave in UAE? Female employees are eligible for 60 days of maternity leave in the UAE. Of these, 45 days are fully paid, and 15 days are half-paid. Maternity leave can commence 30 days before the expected delivery date. An extra 45 days of unpaid leave is possible if there’s a pregnancy or childbirth-related medical condition. 

What is maternity leave?

Maternity leave, also known as maternity or pregnancy leave, is a period of time granted to female employees to take a break from their work responsibilities to care for themselves and their newborn child. This leave is typically paid and is intended to provide mothers with the opportunity to recover from childbirth and establish a strong bond with their babies.

Legal Framework for Maternity Leave in the UAE

The UAE’s maternity leave provisions are outlined in Federal Law No. 28 of 2006, also known as the Labor Law. This law addresses various aspects of employment, including terms of employment, working hours, leave entitlements, termination procedures, and other matters related to the employer-employee relationship in the United Arab Emirates. It serves as a comprehensive legal framework for labor-related issues, providing guidelines for both employers and employees.

These provisions apply to both public and private sector employees, ensuring that all working mothers receive equal benefits and protection.

The UAE’s new maternity leave law mandates that female employees are entitled to a minimum of 45 days of fully paid maternity leave commencing from the date of delivery. Additionally, they are entitled to an additional 15 days of half-paid leave, extending the total maternity leave duration to 60 days

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for maternity leave in the UAE, female employees must meet the following criteria:

1. The employee must be employed in a regular or permanent position.
2. The employee must have completed at least 1 year of service with the current employer.
3. The employee must provide a medical certificate from a recognized medical authority confirming pregnancy.

Duration of Maternity Leave

As mentioned earlier, the UAE Labour Law stipulates a minimum of 45 days of fully paid maternity leave and an additional 15 days of half-paid leave. However, the total duration of maternity leave can extend up to 90 days under certain circumstances.

1. In early Leave, expecting mothers can opt to start their maternity leave up to 30 days before the expected delivery date.
2. In cases of complications arising from pregnancy or childbirth, mothers may be entitled to additional leave of up to 45 days upon providing medical certification.
3. If the newborn child is ill or has a disability, the mother may take an additional 30 days of fully paid leave and a further 30 days of unpaid leave, supported by a medical certificate.
4. New Mothers are also eligible for extra breaks (2 hours a day) to nurse the child.

Compensation During Maternity Leave

During the period of maternity leave, female employees are entitled to receive full pay for the first 45 days and half-pay for the remaining 15 days. The employer provides this compensation and is not deducted from the employee’s accrued leave balance. This ensures that mothers can focus on their health and well-being without facing financial strain.

Additional Leave Entitlement for Medical Reasons

In addition to the standard maternity leave, female employees are entitled to additional leave if they experience pregnancy-related complications or illnesses that prevent them from resuming work. This additional leave can be up to 45 days and is fully paid.

If the child is born prematurely or has a disability, the mother is entitled to an additional 30 days of fully paid leave and up to 30 days of unpaid leave.

Recent Amendments to UAE Maternity Leave Law

Recently, the UAE government has made significant amendments to the Labour Law to enhance maternity leave provisions and provide greater support for expecting mothers. These amendments include:

1. In 2019, the overall duration of maternity leave has been extended from 45 days to up to 90 days, taking into account additional leave options.
2. In 2020, the UAE became the first Arab country to introduce paternity leave, granting both male and female private-sector employees five days of paid leave upon the birth of their child.
3. Enhanced leave for complications and childcare also exists. The provisions for additional leave for pregnancy-related complications and childcare have been strengthened.

Managing Maternity (and Other Leaves) with Bayzat

Employers play a crucial role in ensuring that maternity leave is implemented smoothly and that the rights of expecting mothers are upheld. When welcoming a new life into the world, expectant mothers deserve a smooth and supportive transition into parenthood.

Bayzat, the leading HR and payroll platform in the Middle East, empowers companies to seamlessly manage maternity leave and other employee leaves, ensuring a stress-free experience for both employers and employees.

a) Streamlined Leave Request Process

With Bayzat’s user-friendly interface, employees can easily submit leave requests, specifying the type of leave, dates, and any additional details. The system automatically calculates remaining leave balances and checks for potential conflicts or overlaps, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.

b) Effortless Approval Workflow

Managers/Employers can seamlessly review and approve leave requests directly from the Bayzat platform, receiving real-time notifications and easily managing their team’s leave schedules. This streamlined workflow eliminates the need for manual calculations and reduces administrative burden.

c) Comprehensive Leave Tracking

Bayzat maintains a centralized repository of all leave records, providing both employees and managers with a clear overview of available leave balances, past leave history, and upcoming leave schedules. This transparency fosters informed decision-making and prevents potential discrepancies.

d) Integrated Payroll Management

Bayzat’s integrated payroll system seamlessly handles maternity leave and other employee leaves, ensuring accurate and timely compensation adjustments. This integration eliminates the need for manual calculations and reduces the risk of errors.

e) Enhanced Employee Well-being

Bayzat empowers companies to foster a supportive work environment that prioritizes employee well-being by streamlining leave management processes. This commitment to employee care can lead to increased productivity, retention, and overall workplace satisfaction.

f) Embrace Bayzat for a Seamless Maternity Leave Experience

Bayzat’s comprehensive leave management solution empowers companies to support their employees during life’s significant milestones, such as maternity leave. With its intuitive interface, efficient workflows, and integrated payroll management, Bayzat streamlines the leave management process, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience for both employers and employees.

FAQs on Maternity Leaves in UAE

Q1: Is an employer allowed to fire a female employee while she is on maternity leave?

The employer is not allowed to terminate the employment of a female employee during her maternity leave or within two months of her return from maternity leave.

Q2: Can an employer reduce a female employee’s salary during her maternity leave?

The employer is not allowed to reduce the salary of a female employee during her maternity leave or within two months of her return from maternity leave.

Q3: What legal remedies are available to a female employee who has been discriminated against based on her pregnancy or maternity leave?

Employers in the UAE cannot discriminate against female employees based on pregnancy or maternity leave. Legal remedies for discrimination include:

1. Complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
2. Claim with the Federal Labour Relations Authority (FLRA)
3. Lawsuit

Additional options for victims of discrimination:

1. Contact the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC)
2. Legal Counsel

Q4: Where can I get more information about maternity leave in the UAE?

A: You can get more information about maternity leave in the UAE from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). You can also contact the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or the Abu Dhabi Health Authority (HAAD) for more specific information.