Dubai: Dubai government employees appeared divided over the new human resources management law passed recently with new regulations for maternity and paternity leave, as well as wage standards.
According to law No 27 of 2006, female employees will now be eligible for 60 days paid maternity leave and 100 days unpaid leave. A new paternity leave of three days was also detailed in the law.
Previously, women were eligible for only 45 days of paid leave after giving birth and paternity leave was not granted to Dubai government employees.
The new law also stipulates that national and expatriate employees will now receive equal wages, with the exception of a special allowance for Emirati citizens.
Palestinian Laila Shihada of the Department of Health and Medical Services (Dohms) said the news of equal national and expatriate salaries was particularly welcome at a time when the cost of living is rising.
However, she said she hoped that "they raise our salaries instead of reducing those of UAE nationals".
"The paternity leave is also a positive step. It's very important to have the father there, especially when the woman has undergone a cesarean section and needs to be taken care of."
Dubai Municipality employee Dr Santosh Kumar from India described the new legislation as a "very welcome move".
"Particularly because of the situation with living conditions in Dubai and the general problems with inflation, it is the right time for a salary increase. Everyone is welcoming this and we have been waiting for it.
"The most important aspect of the law is that our salaries will increase, and secondly, that they will be on a par with our national colleagues," he told Gulf News.
Emirati Maitha Bu Humaid from Dohms described the introduction of paternity leave as "family oriented".
"Women who have given birth need to have their husbands beside them. This way the man can take care of the baby as well as his wife," she said.
Highlighting the introduction of the Dh4,250 minimum wage for UAE nationals in the Dubai-government sector, Maitha said it was a much needed move for low-income families.
"Some Emiratis have resorted to accepting very low paid jobs. This will ensure that they receive a minimum and acceptable salary," she said.
However, Laila Al Jasmi said she was not satisfied with the law, particularly the clause referring to maternity leave.
"Sixty days is not enough for women who have just given birth and the additional 100 days of unpaid leave is not possible for many people who cannot afford to go without pay for that long," she said.
"Why is it that we always take economic standards from other countries, but do not apply their social benchmarks? Men should also be given more than three days paternity leave."
An Emirati Dubai Municipality employee, who did not wish to be named, said the new legislation would mostly benefit lower ranking government workers.
"To be honest, we were expecting a major salary increase, so that my field would be brought in line with the private sector," he said.
The new law is expected to come into effect in May, six months after the date of issuance on December 26, 2006.
