Sick Leave Extended? 6 Months Possibility Explained

Long Sick Leave - Is Six Months Possible?

For workers in the private sector, the Labor Law of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) provides clear frameworks for sick leave. But what happens if someone cannot return to work for up to six months due to a serious illness? Let's see what the legislation allows and what the possibilities are for longer absences.

How much sick leave is officially granted?

The regulation for the UAE private sector (Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021) states that if an employee is ill and it does not result from a workplace accident, they must notify the employer within three working days and submit a medical certificate.

After the probationary period, an employee is entitled to a maximum of 90 days of sick leave annually, allocated as follows:

The first 15 days with full pay

The next 30 days with half pay

The subsequent period without pay

This 90-day limit cannot be automatically extended, but it is possible to request additional unpaid leave with the employer's approval.

What about a six-month absence?

According to the law, sick leave officially lasts for 90 days. If additional leave is needed, it can only be arranged through an agreement with the employer, such as:

Requesting unpaid leave

Utilizing annual regular leave if the employer agrees.

It is important to know that if the employee cannot return to work after the 90-day sick leave, the employer is entitled to terminate the employment, naturally with the payment of statutory entitlements.

Is there a humane approach?

Although the legislation does not differentiate between the severity of illnesses, in practice much depends on the communication between the employer and the employee. In cases of severe, long-term illness, it is advisable to meet with the employer personally and request the use of annual leave, as well as unpaid leave.

The UAE labor system provides an opportunity for such individual agreements, provided the employer agrees.

What should employees pay attention to?

In all cases, the employer must be informed in writing.

The medical certificate must be submitted within three days.

Requests for longer absences must be negotiated with the employer in advance.

If the employee cannot return after 90 days, there is a risk of termination.

Summary

While the UAE laws provide for a maximum of 90 days of sick leave, in cases of severe illness there are opportunities to seek additional solutions - but this requires the employer's approval. The most important factors are open and honest communication, pre-agreement, and timely submission of all official documents.

(Source of the article from Employment Law.)