Coronavirus: Going on an early leave? Here is all you need to know

Have you been asked to go on an unpaid leave as your employer deals with the impact of COVID-19? Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has issued guidelines for employers on how they can do so.

The Ministry issued a decree in March providing employers with a progressive guideline to follow in case they have been affected by the preventive measures due to the novel Coronavirus.

Read details on the Ministerial Decree no. 279 of 2020 here: https://gulfnews.com/1.1585578422824

Picture used for illustrative purposes only.

Picture used for illustrative purposes only.

Picture used for illustrative purposes only.

The Ministry also issued Procedures For Enabling Foreign Labour To Leave The Country And Return Home (Early Leave)

This was to extend humanitarian support to workers who wished to return to their home countries.

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What is the process employers need to follow if they send an employee on unpaid leave?

A form needs to be signed with details on the duration of the leave.

The employer needs to book a return air ticket.

It is important to note that the contract between the employee and employer remains valid.

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Residence visa will be automatically extended in case of expiration.

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If you are on leave outside the country, you can email the National call centre on ask_us@171.ae

Workers within the UAE can contact MOHRE on 800 60.