Annual Leave in UAE

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), companies offer various types of paid and unpaid leave to their employees. The minimum leave requirements are governed by different regulations, but individual businesses may have varying leave policies. Many employers also provide additional leave as a benefit. Employees are entitled to annual leave in UAE as per their employment contracts. HR software is commonly used by organizations to manage all HR functions effectively.

Under UAE laws, annual leave refers to time off from work, during which employees can take paid time off up to a specified maximum limit. This annual leave allows employees to relax at home, spend time with family, visit relatives, and most importantly, take a break from their demanding schedules. These annual leaves help employees recharge and perform better at work. This article provides detailed information about annual leave in the UAE.

What is Annual Leave in UAE?

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), employees are entitled to take yearly leave for personal reasons, such as vacations, family functions, or other non-official holiday events. After completing six months of service, all employees are entitled to 22 working days of annual leave per year. Upon completing one year of service, their leave entitlement increases to 30 days per year.

Annual leave in the UAE can be accrued, taken all at once, or carried forward to the next year, depending on the company’s leave policy. Companies typically calculate yearly leave based on the employee’s Basic Salary. Even during termination, any pending leave is computed using the Basic Salary as well.

Calculating leave entitlements can be complex, but companies often use leave management software to assist with this process. These tools can calculate leaves and maintain employee leave records to ensure accurate and efficient leave management.

How to Apply For Leave in the United Arab Emirates

To apply for Annual Leave in UAE, employees need to send an email application and complete these steps:

• The email should be simple and concise. Begin with a clear subject line so the recipient immediately understands the email’s objective. This will also ensure the proper transmission of the primary request.
• The introduction should be kind and professional. It should start with a respectful salutation to the employer and an expression of gratitude for considering the application.
• The email should include detailed and essential information, such as the length of the vacation, start and end dates, and the reason for the leave. This allows the company to assess the request and make necessary arrangements accurately.
• Take full responsibility for the conduct and commit to minimizing any disruption caused by the absence.
• Provide accurate and extensive contact information and communication methods to demonstrate dedication to accessibility even while away from work.
• Adopt a proactive approach by offering to delegate work as needed. This shows a commitment to maintaining a smooth workflow while away from work.
• Prepare the necessary documents to support a smooth application process. This demonstrates a willingness to adhere to corporate procedures.
• Open communication is essential for a successful leave application. Invite the employer to reach out with any issues or questions.
• Once it gets approved, thank the employer for approving it.

Considerations for Annual Leaves in UAE

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) manages annual leave for employees in the UAE. According to MOHRE’s rules, here are some important considerations for employee yearly leaves.

The Time Frame of the Leave

In the UAE, the law says that workers who have been with a company for a year get 30 days of fully paid leave. If an employee completes six months, they are entitled to two days of leave per month. If an employer dismisses an employee before they can use all their leave, the employee will get paid for the leave they haven’t taken.

Information to the Employer

The legislation requires businesses to tell employees of their leave at least one month in advance so that they can appropriately plan their time off.

Salary for the Leave

After one year with the company, an employee has a right to a full month’s pay plus 30 days off (or whatever is specified in the contract). This compensation is employees’ leave wage while not working for that time. Annual Leave in UAE pay is calculated as follows:

Leave salary = (basic salary + allowances / 30) x number of days of leave

Leave Flexibility

Unutilized leave days can be carried over to the following year if permitted by the employer. Article 29 also allows for a cash incentive if the Annual Leave in UAE accumulated exceeds two years, eliminating the need to take the leave.

Point To Be Noted

Under the law, part-time workers are also entitled to annual leave in UAE. However, as stated in the employment contract, the duration is determined by the time worked and the employer’s discretion.

Other Types of Leave in UAE

Sabbatical Leave

Sabbatical Leave, like yearly leave, is compensated time off from employment. However, unlike Annual Leave in UAE, only Emirati employees are entitled to this leave. Sabbatical leave is often associated with academia but serves a distinct purpose here.

Article 32 of Federal Decree-Law No. (33) provides sabbatical leave for national service. According to the appropriate legislation, national service lasts between 11 months and three years and is compulsory for men and voluntary for women. Workers must produce proof from the necessary authorities to acquire this leave.

Study Leave

Most employees, regardless of industry, want to advance in their careers. Continuous study and personal growth are dependable techniques for ensuring upward progress, and UAE workers can also follow this path.

Entitlement: Under Article 32 of the Federal Decree-Law No. (33) employees with at least two years of service are entitled to ten working days per year to take tests at accredited educational institutions in the UAE.

Sick Leave

Sick leave is required by law in the United Arab Emirates and is available if an employee becomes ill or gets injured. The employee is expected to notify the company within three days by producing a medical report.

Employees can take sick leave for a maximum of 90 days per year, which may be continuous or intermittent. As the law provides, employers must pay the full salary for the initial fifteen days, half for the subsequent 32 days, and no for the remaining 45 days. Sick leave cannot be accorded to employees on probation or those who have fallen ill through work-related misconduct. Additionally, they are ineligible if they have broken any safety rules.

Additionally, they are ineligible if they have broken any safety rules. If illness strikes during their yearly Leave, such leave is deemed as per the Annual Leave in UAE calculation laws. Annual leave is not considered sick leave.

Bereavement Leave

Companies offer employees what is commonly called ‘Bereavement Leave,’ also known as ‘Compassionate Leave,’ when an employee loses a relative. The company allows an employee to take five days of leave in case of the death of a spouse.

If another immediate relative (father, mother, son, sister, or grandmother) dies, you are granted three days of leave. Owing to the various policies offered by multiple firms, employees must check their firm’s leave policy before applying for Bereavement/Compassionate Leave in UAE.

Hajj and Umrah

Muslim employees can take Hajj Leave to travel to Mecca, the holiest city in Saudi Arabia. As the name suggests, Hajj Leave is unpaid leave that an employee takes for a period that should not exceed 30 days. This leave may be taken at least once in a given period or for the entire period of working with the employer.

Employees must share their leave plans with management to delegate work to others during their absence. While Hajj leave is legally required, Umrah does not have such restrictions. Workers contemplating Umrah must either take an unpaid vacation or reduce the days from their yearly leave.

National Holiday Leaves

According to Article 28 of the Labour Law, employees are entitled to days off on national holidays as defined by the Cabinet. Some United Arab Emirates public holidays that are usually on the UAE public holiday lists include Eid Al Fitr, Arafah Day, New Year’s Day, Eid Al Adha, Hijri New Year, the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed, Commemoration Day, and National Day.

It must be noted that employers are required to pay employees these days. This is accomplished by providing a day off in absence or spending at least 150% of the base compensation.

Maternal Leave

Female employees are provided Maternity Leave to prepare for delivery. Employees are allowed to use this leave before and after giving birth.

It stated that employees or workers are given 45 days of full pay and 15 days of half pay. In cases of pregnancy-related sickness, the mother may take an additional 45 days of unpaid leave. If the infant is sick or disabled, the mother can take 30 days of paid leave.

A legitimate medical certificate in the UAE must support any request to extend the leave beyond maternity due to illness.

Emergency Leave

Employees cannot plan every leave. Emergencies can happen while an employee is at work. As a result, employers typically provide an Emergency Leave when an unforeseen disaster occurs.

Employers maintain some flexibility because it may be challenging to determine the exact number of leave days required for the emergency. However, the employee must notify the boss as soon as possible to continue regular work.

Because the law does not cover Emergency Leave, the employer in question must make a decision. The approval is based on the company’s leave policy. The employer can determine whether or not to pay.

Ramadan

Muslims devote the holy month of Ramadan to fasting and prayer. Because work must occur concurrently, businesses limit the number of working hours to the advantage of their employees. Employers rarely have their employees work a full day during Ramadan. They shorten the number of working days by two hours per day.

The Ramadan timings apply to all employees, regardless of faith. Relaxation is also beneficial to persons who work indoors or outdoors. However, construction workers remain scheduled for noon break from 12 to 3 p.m. This benefit reduces the risk of heat exposure.

Paternal Leave

Paid Parental Leave is a form of time off provided to employees who have recently become parents with newborn children. It may be taken at any time within six months from birth. This leave is meant to afford the parents adequate opportunity to attend to the child’s needs in an emergency.

Based on the provisions of the law, employees are supposed to be granted five working days of parental leave per calendar year. The United Arab Emirates is the first Arab country to provide this form of leave to its private-sector employees.

The rationale behind Parental Leave was to foster togetherness in the home as a unit and to level the playing field for both men and women in employment. It is one of the many policies put in place to increase the number of citizens in the private sector.

Conclusion

The UAE labor legislation seeks an appropriate balance between production and liberty. As a result, businesses are obligated to provide leave whenever their employees require it. Even staff members need to utilize it responsibly and honestly. This is how all employees are usually eligible for their Annual Leave in the UAE.

Managing and keeping track of all employees and their leave schedules is challenging. However, when organizations use HR technology, they can easily manage all their records. So, all organizations may use automated HR technology to manage organizational records.

FAQs

Can Employees Decide When They Will Take Their Leave?

Employees in the UAE have the option of taking their Annual Leave when it suits them. However, it is essential to obtain approval. You can also check your employment contract and policies to understand your employer’s leave scheduling expectations better.

Can An Employee Seek Reimbursement For Unused Leaves At The End Of The Contract?

Yes. According to Article 29(8) of Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021, an employee may get earnings for collected leave days if he leaves the job before utilizing them, regardless of the duration of the leave.

Are Corporations Permitted To Grant Annual Leave In Working Days?

Yes, companies can provide annual leave on working days, providing employee benefits equal to or exceeding 30 calendar days. Companies that use working days typically offer 22 days of leave each year.

How To Calculate Annual Leave In UAE?

According to Article 29 (1) of the United Arab Emirates Labour Law, employees who take a 30-day annual leave after 12 months can earn their entire monthly income, including the basic salary and allowances.

Can Part-Time Workers Take Yearly Leave?

Part-time employees are also allowed annual leave depending on their actual working hours for the employer; this has to be provided in the employment contract.

Can An Employer Stop An Employee From Taking Their Yearly Leave?

The employer may only allow the employee to take advantage of annual leave accrued for up to two years if they desire to carry it forward or receive a monetary allowance.

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