HomeBlogMaternity Leave in UAE: Guide for Employees & Employers

Maternity Leave in UAE: Guide for Employees & Employers

Understanding Maternity Leave in UAE: Employees and Employers’ Perspective

Society has advanced to the stage where there is an increasing need to understand how maternity policies are practiced within the context of the UAE. This overall guide will explain the specifics concerning maternity leave in the UAE for 2024, including its government and private sector axed maternity leave USSC policies and other new parental benefits.

The Scenario so Far: Maternity Leave in UAE Numbers 2024 

Maternity leaves UAE and USSC parental leave policies and provisions are regulated under law federal policies do exist. Female workers these days have labor law with family welfare benefits and caring for children while working women’s entity is being called several titles. 

Specifics about UAE’s Maternity Leave Policies and the Leave Year 2024 

  • 90 day’s maternity leave with basic pay only for those who have a permanent position on a contract basis
  • One nursing session every day after nine months postpartum leave period extending for twelve months past birth owing to lactation period requirements
  • More than 12 types of leave can also be interchanged

Other than this, allowances exist for special cases such cases in children developing in special environments. 

Responding to such questions about how maternity leave in UAE is viewed from the calendar perspective versus working days, lawmakers advise the adoption of the rather inclusive and fuse definition of 90 days.

Maternity Leave in the UAE for Male Workers: Culture of Fatherhood

No less than a decade ago, the UAE recognized the crucial role that father’s personality plays in the upbringing of a child. According to the most recent paternal leave regulations UAE labor law of parents: 

  • Male employees have the right to five working days for paternity leave
  • Leave can be availed either continuously or intermittently within six months
  • Full pay is sustained during the timeframe of the leave
  • For those in the state sector, there may be additional perks according to the emirate where they are based

This particular development in the paternal leave policy in UAE proves this vision and need for equality between parents as well as the advancement of parents’ aims and commitment to always balanced parental love.

The Maternity Leave Debate in the UAE- Government vs. Private Sectors

The Maternity Leave Debate in the UAE- Government vs. Private Sectors

Maternity Leave for Government Employees.

The government employees’ entitlement in terms of maternity leave is comprehensive in nature as it provides for:

  • Complete 3 months paid leave
  • The option to combine this it with unpaid leave to facilitate the extension
  • Additional times dedicated to aid in nursing upon returning to work.
  • Dubai: 90 days which can be increased if necessary 

Provision for specific emirates:

  • Sharjah: 120 days (90 paid + 30 unpaid)
  • Abu Dhabi: Covers nursing provisions over 3 months period 

Maternity Leave for Private Employees

In the private sector, there has been a lot of improvement in parental rights as well as maternity leave in UAE private sector in 2024 which now provides for at least 45 days of fully having paid leave, an additional 15 days on half pay, breaks for nursing including some sort of assurance against being sacked throughout the leave.

Familiarize Yourself with the Laws: Important Information for Government Officials

  • Implementing government maternity policies is based on the rationale of understanding them. Important points behind it include:
  • Conditions for eligibility for obtaining the full amount of benefits
  • The relevant documents
  • How to apply for leave
  • What to combine with other kinds of leave
  • The procedure of going back to work

Maternity Leave in Private Sector: What You Should Know

The maternity policy of private company should be such that it complies with the UAE labor law, but may also offer other benefits such as:

  • The minimum constitutional requirements
  • The company’s other maternity relief measures
  • The methods of entitlement calculation
  • The rights of the employee during the probation period
  • Non-discrimination guarantees

Why do we consider a fully-fledged maternity policy to be crucial

Well-designed maternity policies substantively aids in:

  • Reducing turnover of employees
  • Improving satisfaction of employees at the workplace
  • Effective integration and management of work tasks and personal life
  • Enhanced reputation of the company
  • Improved effectiveness of the company

The Way Forward: Reforms and Policies to be implemented in the Foreseeable Future

Reforms and policies that may be useful in the future in relation to maternity leaves in UAE 2025 and the years after that include:

  • Increase in the duration of leave
  • Enhanced policies for paternal leave
  • Standardization of policies in various sectors within one country
  • Greater work-life balance for parents along with adequate support
  • More flexible work arrangements

Conclusion: What Needs to be Done to Effect Fair Maternity Benefits

It is important that fair maternity benefits are appreciated and implemented as they are important in the development of the workforce in the UAE.

It is crucial to understand these policies whether you’re an employee or an employer. This helps in upholding the compliance of the organization while enhancing the effectiveness of the workplace as well. 

Additional Resources: 

  • Refer to your HR Department policies for more details 
  • Consulting the UAE Ministry of Human Resources website is advised 
  • Complicated cases need the help of the practice 

Become a member of professional organizations so that you do not miss new changes in the policy.

FAQs about Maternity Leave in the UAE

  1. What is the duration of maternity leave in the UAE?  

Ans. Maternity leave in the UAE is 60 days, comprised of 45 days with full pay and an additional 15 days at half pay.

  1. Who is eligible for maternity leave in the UAE?  

Ans. All female employees working in the private and public sectors are eligible for maternity leave, provided they have completed at least one year of service.

  1. Can I take maternity leave if I have not completed one year of employment?  

Ans. Yes, employees who have not completed one year can still take maternity leave but will receive unpaid leave during this period.

  1. Are there any requirements to submit before taking maternity leave?  

Ans. Yes, employees must notify their employer at least 30 days prior to taking maternity leave and may need to provide medical documentation confirming pregnancy.

  1. Can I extend my maternity leave beyond the standard duration?  

Ans. While the standard duration is set by law, some employers may offer extended unpaid leave options; it's best to check your company's policy.

  1. Do fathers receive paternity leave in the UAE?  

Ans. Yes, fathers are entitled to five working days of paid paternity leave after the birth of their child.

  1. What happens if a public holiday falls during my maternity leave?  

Ans. If a public holiday occurs during your approved maternity leave, it will not be counted as part of your 90-day entitlement; you’ll receive additional time off accordingly.

  1. Can I return to work part-time after my maternity leave?  

Ans. Returning part-time after maternity leave depends on company policy and mutual agreement regarding work conditions between the employee and employer.

  1. What happens if I give birth before completing my probation period?

Ans. Employees on probation are generally not entitled to paid maternity leave unless specified otherwise in company policies; it's best to check your employment contract.

  1. Can I lose my job for taking maternity leave in the UAE?

Ans. No, it is illegal for employers to terminate a female employee's contract due to pregnancy or taking maternity leave in the UAE.

  1. Are there any benefits or allowances provided during maternity leave?

Ans. During paid maternity leave, employees receive their full salary; however, specific benefits may vary by company policy.

  1. Are there different maternity leave provisions for government employees in the UAE?

Ans. Yes, government employees may have extended maternity leave policies compared to those in the private sector, typically allowing for up to 90 days at full pay.