Dubai: Working pregnant women in the emirate say that taking a few weeks leave before delivery isn’t a viable option due to the lack of flexible maternity leave.
Currently, the UAE Labour Law provides 45 days maternity leave with full pay which includes the time before and after delivery, provided the woman’s employment duration is more than a year.
Gulf News spoke to a few women who said that there are several factors that compel them to work until the last week of pregnancy.
These include existing maternity leave policy; method of ensuring they stay active; and financial reasons.
Tasneem Raza, a manager in a PR company, and mother of two children, said that during her second pregnancy, she worked till the last week.“The risks of working during the last stages of pregnancy depend on the industry. My colleagues and seniors were supportive, and didn’t give me any additional tasks. Further, I would decline a job if I couldn’t handle it.”
When asked whether flexible maternity leave at a policy level would benefit, she replied, “It would give women choice to take leave before delivery.”
Graca L., who works in administration in an IT company, said she can avail of flexible working hours during her ninth month.
“I am five months pregnant; this is my second pregnancy. My current company has provisions to allow work from home during the last few weeks during which I will prepare myself through regular yoga and other holistic routines. My earlier company didn’t have this option during my first pregnancy.”
Such provisions are necessary for the wellbeing of the mother, she added.
Dayang, who works in facilities management, is two months pregnant.
She said that the choice of taking leave before delivery varies from woman to woman.
“Flexible maternity leave will definitely help new mothers, especially for those who would rather deliver in their home countries.”
