Sick leave in the UAE: Rights, rules, and key requirements

Dubai: If you are working in the UAE, understanding the country’s sick leave rules is crucial to ensure you receive the correct entitlements and avoid potential issues with your employer.

Navigating sick leave rules is essential for employees working in the UAE. The country's labour law - Federal Decree by Law No. (33) of 2021 outline specific entitlements for paid and unpaid sick leave, along with clear guidelines for employer notification and termination procedures.

From knowing when you are eligible for paid sick leave to understanding the importance of timely notifications and medical certificates, here’s what you need to know about managing sick leave under UAE labour law.

Employees are entitled to up to 90 days of sick leave per year after completing their probation period. This period may be taken continuously or intermittently, with salary payments structured as follows:

During the probation period, employees may still request sick leave; however, this is subject to employer approval and requires a medical report confirming the necessity of the leave. In such cases, the leave will be unpaid.

Employees are not eligible for paid sick leave in the following cases:

Under Article 31 of the UAE Labour Law, employees must inform their employer about their sickness within three days of falling ill. Additionally, a medical report issued by an authorised medical entity must be provided to confirm the employee's condition.

Employers are not permitted to terminate an employee while they are on sick leave. However, if an employee has exhausted their 90 days of sick leave and is still unable to resume work, the employer has the right to terminate their contract. In such cases, the employee will still be entitled to their end-of-service benefits in accordance with UAE labour regulations.

It is advisable to consult your company’s Human Resources (HR) department regarding their sick leave policy and whether a doctor's note is mandatory. However, under Article 31 of the UAE Labour Law, employees are required to provide a medical report from the local health authority in their emirate to justify their sick leave.

When you visit a doctor, they will issue an approved sick leave certificate following your check-up, which you must provide to your employer. This certificate is typically issued free of charge.

For sick leaves exceeding five days, attestation of the medical certificate is required. If you require an extended period of leave, it's best to confirm with your employer if attestation is necessary.

If attestation is required, you can apply through the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) if your sick leave was issued by a private or government health facility in Sharjah or the northern emirates. For sick leave certificates issued in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, approval from the respective city's health authority is required before submitting the certificate electronically through the MOHAP website.

For sick leave periods of five days or less, attestation can be completed electronically without the need for accreditation from a medical committee. However, if the leave exceeds five days and extends up to one month, attestation is required with a fee payment, followed by approval from the medical sub-committee in the relevant emirate.