Who should pay for the COVID-19 test if your employer asks you to take it?
Image Credit: Gulf News
2 of 29
A Gulf News reader raised the question when his company asked employees to take a mandatory COVID-19 test.
Image Credit: Supplied
3 of 29
The reader said that his HR company company had not confirmed that they would pay for the test.
Image Credit: Agency
4 of 29
What does the UAE Labour Law say about this?
Image Credit: Agency
5 of 29
Gulf News raised the issue with Dubai-based lawyer Suneer Kumar.
Image Credit: AP
6 of 29
Picture used for illustrative purposes only.
Image Credit: AFP
7 of 29
Is there an express provision for compulsory COVID-19 screening in the UAE Labour Law?
Image Credit: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News
8 of 29
There is no express and mandatory provision in Federal Law No. 8 of 1980 which stipulates that the employer shall be liable for the cost of compulsory testing or screening.
Image Credit: Stock image
9 of 29
According to the law, the employer is liable for periodic testing and examination for occupational diseases.
Image Credit: AFP
10 of 29
The employer should provide medical care based on the standards laid down by MOHRE and Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP).
Image Credit: AFP
11 of 29
The UAE's government departments and authorities have also issued several resolutions and circulars regarding the preventive steps that need to be taken.
Image Credit: Gulf News
12 of 29
Picture used for illustrative purposes only.
Image Credit: Supplied
13 of 29
The Federal Federal Law no. 14 of 2014 on communicable diseases - as amended and expanded by Cabinet Resolution no. 33/2016 - are made applicable to COVID-19 related matters.
Image Credit: Agency
14 of 29
According to the law, any individual intentionally behaving in a way that is dangerous to public health and safety will be penalised.
Image Credit: Agency
15 of 29
Picture used for illustrative purposes only.
Image Credit: AP
16 of 29
Failure to comply with indicated measures for containment will also land the violator in trouble.
Image Credit: AFP
17 of 29
Anyone refusing to undergo a test upon demand will be fined Dh5,000.
Image Credit: AFP
18 of 29
Individuals as well as companies should recognise their responsibility in curbing the spread of the virus.
Image Credit: AFP
19 of 29
If there is a mandatory COVID-19 test for public health and safety at your company, it is advisable to check your HR guidelines in advance.
Image Credit: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News
20 of 29
There is no special provision in place which specifies who is liable to pay for such a test.
Image Credit: AFP
21 of 29
Employers can insist on having each employee tested for workplace safety.
Image Credit: Gulf News
22 of 29
This can be especially important if the employee has a high likelihood of having the virus.
Image Credit: Supplied
23 of 29
Picture used for illustrative purposes only.
Image Credit: Agency
24 of 29
According to Kumar, it is the employer's discretion whether to pay the full amount of the test or part of it.
Image Credit: Agency
25 of 29
Find out what your company's policy is beforehand.
Image Credit: AP
26 of 29
Picture used for illustrative purposes only.
Image Credit: AFP
27 of 29
When should the employer pay for such a test?
Image Credit: AFP
28 of 29
Picture used for illustrative purposes only.
Image Credit: AFP
29 of 29
There are several free tests also being offered by UAE health authorities, which employees should consider.
Image Credit: AFP
This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to improve your experience and provide more personalized service to you.
Both on your website and other media. To find out more about the cookies and data we use, please check out our Privacy Policy.