Everything You Need To Know About Paternity Leave In UAE

Paternity leave in the UAE is a very important employment policy whose main purpose is to strengthen the role of fathers in raising their children. In addition, labor law in this country regulates provisions to ensure that parents have sufficient time to share the responsibilities of caring for their children.

In this article, you will learn about paternity leave in UAE. We will analyze the legal provisions and the benefits of this license. In this order of ideas, you will also learn about the perspectives and challenges that must be addressed in relation to this labor policy as a right for employees and how can this help to expand the business.

Understanding Paternity Leave: UAE Policies and Essential Information

Policies and other essential information on paternity leave in the UAE are in its federal employment legislation and may differ slightly by each emirate and each employment sector. However, in accordance with the country’s labor legislation, employees who will become fathers may obtain a period of paid paternity leave after the birth of their children.

In general terms, this license lasts five business days. During this period, they may not attend their workplace to take care of their children. For its part, it is important to highlight that this leave is paid, so the employee must continue receiving the salary they currently receive.

Likewise, some employers often offer improvements over this leave established by labor legislation, such as greater enjoyment, whether paid or unpaid.

Overall, UAE paternity leaves demonstrate the role of fathers in raising their children. This leave offers working parents the opportunity to bond with their newborn children.

Now, when a person start a company, the paternity leave in UAE during probation period is an issue that has a legal loophole. That is, during the duration of this leave in these work circumstances, employees are evaluated to determine if they will be hired permanently if they perform notable work and if the employer considers it so. It is important to note that UAE labor law does not provide for paternity leave for employees during this probation period.

Therefore, as there is no legal rule that establishes the manner of action regarding paternity leave in the UAE during probation period, this legal situation will be at the discretion of the employer. That is, you can allow paid paternity leave as established by law or the opposite and not allow any type of leave.

Maternity Leave Duration in Dubai: Essential Employment Information

An employed woman has the right to paid maternity leave if she becomes pregnant. Likewise, maternity leave in Dubai lasts 45 days. However, in the event of complications or illnesses resulting from pregnancy, the employee may obtain 100 additional days of leave.

For their part, during the time of use of this leave, employees have the right to receive their full salary and not to be fired. Likewise, they may also opt to use additional free time to receive prenatal medical care.

What are the paternity rules in UAE?

Employees in the UAE are entitled to paid paternity leave after the birth of their child. Now, paternity leave in UAE How many days? The typical duration of this license is five business days. In this sense, during this leave, parents can be absent from their jobs to be with their children.

On the other hand, it is important to highlight that paternity leave must be paid. This means that the employee must continue to receive their regular salary during this period as if he were working. Beyond these rules, companies through employment contracts can improve this right, especially in terms of its duration.

Paternity Leave in UAE: Guidelines and Essential Considerations

Below, we will mention some essential guidelines and considerations regarding paternity leave in UAE:

  • Duration (How many days paternity leave in UAE):

This leave lasts five business days, during which time parents will be able to spend time with their newborn children.

  • Remuneration:

This leave must be paid, which means that the employee continues to receive his regular salary while enjoying this right.

  • Notification:

Employees who intend to take parental leave must notify their employer or the human resources department as appropriate based on company policies. This will allow the company to plan for this employee’s absence.

  • Documentation:

Likewise, employees must normally provide certain documentation to enjoy this right, such as the child’s birth certificate, and UAE work visa, among others.

  • Additional benefits:

Some companies may offer additional benefits, especially in relation to extending the duration of paternity leave. In this sense, these benefits will vary depending on the policy of each company.

Dubai Maternity Leave: Duration and Employee Entitlements Overview

In Dubai, maternity leave is an important right for employed women who are pregnant or have given birth. Below, we will provide an overview of the duration of maternity leave and the rights of employees:

  • Duration of maternity leave:

In Dubai, the duration of this license is 45 days. However, this duration can be extended to 60 days in cases of medical complications.

  • Remuneration:

Employees have the right to receive their full salary. Therefore, the employer must continue to pay the employee’s salary during the leave period as if she were actually working.

 

  • Employment protection:

While enjoying this leave, employees have the right to keep their jobs. Therefore, the employer cannot dismiss an employee due to her pregnancy or maternity leave. In this sense, if the employer dismisses an employee, she can file a complaint with the labor authorities.

How much maternity leave do you get in Dubai?

In Dubai, the standard duration of maternity leave is 45 days. In cases of medical complications resulting from pregnancy, this leave will be extended for an additional 60 days. This extension of maternity leave is intended to give mothers enough time to recover and take care of their health after giving birth.

Likewise, this time may vary according to the policy of each employer, who may improve the conditions regarding the time of enjoyment of this leave.

What to do on paternity leave?

During paternity leave, employees have the opportunity to spend quality time with their newborn child, among other things. Below, we will mention some activities that an employee can carry out during their paternity leave in UAE:

  • Newborn care:

The employee can take an active role in caring for his or her newborn child. This may include changing diapers, feeding the baby, bathing the baby, and engaging in parenting activities such as breastfeeding or bottle feeding.

  • Support for the mother: 

Paternity leave also provides the opportunity to offer support to the couple in adapting to the new life. In this sense, this may involve helping with household chores, providing emotional support, and offering assistance with daily household needs.

  • Participation in medical appointments:

The father can accompany his partner and baby to important medical appointments, such as visits to the pediatrician, vaccinations, or other health checkups. This allows the father to be actively involved in the care and monitoring of the baby’s well-being.

  • Rest and self-care:

For his part, the father can also rest during paternity leave and take it as a small vacation. Likewise, it is important to take into account that the activities that the employee can carry out during paternity leave may vary according to their individual needs and preferences and those of their family.

Conclusion

Paternity and maternity leave in the UAE plays a fundamental role in supporting the needs of working families. Likewise, through these policies, the government promotes gender equality and fosters a work environment that values ​​the importance of childcare and work-life balance.

Paternity leave allows fathers to be present in the newborn’s first days, establish emotional bonds, and provide support to mothers. This time allows them to actively participate in parenting tasks and share household responsibilities, promoting equitable distribution of family responsibilities.

On the other hand, maternity leave is essential to ensure that employed mothers have enough time to recover physically and emotionally after giving birth, as well as to establish breastfeeding and adapt to their new role in their family. In addition, maternity leave offers them the peace of mind of maintaining their job and receiving remuneration while they are taking it.

In this sense, paternity and maternity leave policies in the UAE demonstrate a commitment to the well-being of families and the importance of raising children. By providing paid time for care and adaptation, the government promotes support and respect for the needs of families.

If you want to know more about this and other similar topics, you can visit our insights section! 

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