Maternity Leave in UAE: Laws, Benefits, and Employer Obligations Explained

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Maternity leave in UAE is becoming an important issue for both employees and employers. Understanding their legal rights, entitlements and obligations gives female employees the power to have both a career and motherhood and gives employers more confidence in managing their employees through the transitional period. UAE labor law is fast evolving with a view to promote work-life balance and gender equality. Whether you are an employee or employer, it is worthwhile to take note of the latest article on maternity leave in UAE and what are your obligations.

Maternity Leave in UAE

What is Maternity Leave in UAE?

Maternity leave in UAE is the formal leave period given to women employees around the time of childbirth intended to be a protected period for the job protection of a woman in UAE, and generally takes into consideration the time of recovery and & bonding with their newborn children.

Important highlights of maternity leave in UAE include:

  • Paid leave term according to UAE labor law.
  • Additional unpaid leave.
  • Various sections for the public and private sector.

Duration and Entitlements: How Many Days Maternity Leave in UAE?

Knowing about how many maternity leave days in UAE can aid employees and employers in planning ahead. 

Duration Breakdown:

  • The UAE Labor Law provides a total of 60 calendar days maternity leave.
    • 15 days leave at half pay. 
    • 45 days fully paid leave. 
  • A female employee may be able to take a further 45 days unpaid leave if she cannot return to work following maternity leave due to a moral or physical problem occurring from the pregnancy or birth (but must provide a medical certificate). 

This applies to all females (i.e., workers) with employers who have one year and one day of effective continuous service. If you have yet to reach one year of effective continuous service, you would also be entitled to the same – but it may be paid, part paid or unpaid leave depending on the employer.

Maternity Leave in UAE for Private Sector

The maternity leave in the UAE for employees of private sector companies correlates with the federal labor law but private companies can have internal policies that may offer more generous terms/conditions.

Key Points for Private Sector:

  • Leave policies must comply with or exceed the precepts in UAE labor law.
  • Additional leave days may be taken, or working arrangements can be modified.
  • Some employees may be entitled to paid leave as part of a retention program offered by some employers. 

Employees of private sector companies must check their employment contracts or HR policies to be clear on the terms of their maternity leave entitlement. 

Employer Obligations During Maternity Leave in UAE

UAE firms are required by law to offer assistance to female employees throughout their maternity period.

Obligations Inclusion:

  • Giving the whole maternity leave in accordance with the law.
  • Not firing or endangering employment as a result of pregnancy or maternity leave.
  • Keeping the employee’s income and position the same throughout the leave.
  • Giving moms coming back from maternity leave nursing breaks (two breaks of 30 minutes each, for six months after delivery).
  • Dealing with requests for maternity leave in a timely and respectful way.

Violating these duties may subject the employer to legal repercussions, such as penalties and compensation to the impacted employee.

Understanding Maternity Leave Law in UAE

Federal Decree Law No. (33) of 2021, which regulates labor relations, is the maternity leave law in the UAE and serves as the framework for workmen’s compensation.

Key Legal Features:

  • Applies to all sectors, both public and private.
  • Covers stillbirths and adoption.
  • Mothers of children with disabilities are eligible for another 30 days of paid leave and an additional 30 days without pay.
  • It also offers protection against discrimination to expectant workers.

This law establishes a unified concept of maternity rights in the UAE geared toward equalizing and supporting working mothers.

Nursing Breaks and Return to Work

Returning to work in the UAE after maternity leave comes with certain entitlements to ease the transition for the mother.

Key Provisions:

  • Two 30-minutes nursing breaks every day during the first six months after delivery.
  • These are fully paid breaks, i.e., they are not deducted from working hours or salary.
  • An employer cannot refuse granting these breaks.

This allows mothers nursing to work without any financial suffering or damages to the career.

Applying for Maternity Leave in UAE: What Employees Need to Know

To receive maternity leave in the UAE, an employee is to go through certain procedures and provide documentation. 

Application Steps:

  • Where possible, notify the employer 30 days in advance.
  • Submit medical reports confirming the pregnancy and the expected date of delivery.
  • Discuss the return date or pending arrangements for unpaid leave, if any.
  • Thereafter, keep in touch with the Human Resources (HR) department until the maternity leave effectively begins.

With adequate planning and communication, the employee and the employer stand to gain.

Key Benefits of Maternity Leave in UAE

Understanding the benefits of maternity leave in UAE gives one an idea about how work and personal life mutually benefit from each other.

Basic Benefits:

  • Job security should be guaranteed while on maternity leave and thereafter as well.
  • Physical or emotional recovery for a new mother.
  • Time for bonding with the newborn.
  • Balancing work and life.
  • Motivation for women to continue working.

The protection of these rights leads to greater inclusivity in the family-friendly workplace.

Paternity Leave and Parental Support

Even though the focus remains on mothers, paternity leave is also provided in the UAE according to labor law.

For Fathers:

  • A period of 5 paid working days is offered within six months from the birth of a child.
  • Having fathers taking an active role in child-rearing activities.
  • Reflects the UAE’s commitment in gender-balance policymaking.

Final Thoughts on Maternity Leave in UAE

Strong efforts have passed in the UAE to create a supportive legal framework around maternity leave in UAE, which benefits both sexes and the employer. By knowing the maternity leave law in UAE, companies can retain valuable talent, while female employees can pursue their careers and raise their families.

Employees should be aware of their entitlements, including maternity leave in UAE for private-sector employees, and employers should fulfill their legal obligations. Maternity leave, paternity leave, and nursing support policies make the UAE a very progressive working environment for any parent.

FAQs

Maternity leave in UAE provides 60 days—45 days fully paid and 15 days half-paid—for eligible female employees, as per the UAE Labour Law.
Yes, private-sector female employees are entitled to maternity leave benefits in UAE if they meet eligibility criteria, including completing a specific duration of continuous service.
Employers must grant eligible maternity leave, ensure salary payments as per law, and avoid discrimination or termination due to pregnancy or maternity-related absences.

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