READER COMPLAINT

UAE Labour Law: Can my employer force me to convert my stay at home due to COVID-19 into an annual leave?

Employee’s rights regarding paid annual leave and special COVID-19 provisions for employer

Last updated: August 16, 2020 | 18:23

2 MIN READ

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If you were unable to work remotely, can your stay at home be converted to an annual leave by your employer?

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A Gulf News reader shared his experience.

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He was unable to work during the month of April, which was then counted as an annual leave by his employer.

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Can he ask for an annual leave now?

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Legal advice about the UAE Labour Law from Dr Hassan Elhais.

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Article 76 of the UAE Labour Law and MOHRE's special decree for COVID-19 cover this aspect of employee-employer relationship.

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Article 76 of the UAE Labour Law

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Ministerial Decree No. 279 of 2020

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The decree provided clarity on what employers could do, if they were negative affected by COVID-19.

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Article 2 of the decree provides alternatives for employers looking to reorganise the work structure.

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According to the article, employers can grant the employee a paid leave to deal with the impact of COVID-19 on their business.

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The decree provided a phased approach to dealing with the business impact of the health crisis.

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The employer has the right to grant annual leave at its discretion.

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The provision of air tickets, too, depends on the employment contract.

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