Probation period

A reader from Dubai asks: Could you please help me regarding a query I have concerning the probation period of a contract? I was wondering if the probation period was supposed to be included in the total duration of a contract. For instance, if my employer gives me 2 days holidays for one month of work, do I have to integrate the 4 months of probation when I want to take my yearly holidays?

The probation period which the questioner completed successfully with the employer shall be added to his period of service in accordance with article 37 of the UAE's Labour Law which states: "A worker may be engaged on probation for a period not exceeding six months, during which his service may be terminated by the employer without notice or severance pay; provided that a worker shall not be engaged on probation more than once in the service of any one employer. Where a worker successfully completes his period of probation and remains in his job, the said period shall be reckoned towards his period of service."

Questions answered by Advocate Mohammad Ebrahim Al Shaiba of Al Bahar Advocates and Legal Consultants.