In-depth Guide to UAE Paternity Leave
The government of the United Arab Emirates has been making drastic amendments in both the public and private sector. However, the Paternity Leave In UAE is the recent dynamic change in UAE Labour Law, introduced in 2020. This brings the perfect chance to the male employees working in the private sector to make the most of their child’s birth and be present for the life-changing moments.
This pioneer revision in the legal framework contributes to the elimination of gender injustice and promotes work quality. Along with this, the fathers can take this chance to build a harmonious connection with their new-born. This informational piece will have your concerns about paternity leave in the uae sorted.
Benefits of Paternity Leave in the UAE
This initiative was taken to acknowledge and encourage the significance of family quality time. Especially when the child is born, the involvement of both parent figures become more crucial and play a transforming part in their early childhood development. Considering these important aspects, the law is established for the ease and welfare of all recently-made fathers of the nation. Below are the few advantages of this law:
- Fully Paid Leave:
Upon taking paternity leave, the male employees are authorized to get the paid leave, providing a full amount of their salaries. This way, they will not suffer any loss or lackness financially. - Healthy Father-Child Connection:
By being physically present during this phase, the father gets to experience the matchless moment and establish a strong relationship with his child. This not only improves their family harmony but also strengthens their bond with each other. - Assistance for Mothers:
Fathers may provide women a great deal of assistance during the postpartum time by actively helping with childcare and home chores. This can support obtaining enough sleep, regulating emotional well-being, and recuperating following childbirth—all critical to a mother’s health. - Balance Between Work and Personal Life:
Fathers may divide parenting duties more fairly right now thanks to paternity leave. This caters to better work-life balance, reducing stress and secure well-being. This way, you can keep your focus on one thing at a time.
Who Qualifies for Paternity Leave?
In the United Arab Emirates, eligible individuals must fulfill certain requirements, mostly related to their work position and bond with the child, in order to be granted paternity leave. These are the necessary prerequisites:
- Private Sector Employee – Male employees should be employed within the private sector.
- Surety of Father- He must be the biological father of the child.
- Avail the leave within a time period- Get the leave within the first half-year of their child’s life.
- Providing Documentation – Submit proper and authentic documents, declaring the evidence of the child’s birth.
- Inform Beforehand- Notify your employer prior to the birth day to ensure good communication and cooperation.
Duration of Paternity Leave
After application of this law, it is now the right of every male worker who is soon to be a father. However, they can ask for additional support from their employers like work from home or extended leave. The estimated duration as imposed by the government for the men employed in the private sector is 5 working days, fully paid. Besides the choice is given whether they want to leave this leave in one go or utilize it any time of the first six months of the child’s birth.
Public vs. Private Sector Considerations
The private sector brought relief for the employees. Male employees in the United Arab Emirates are entitled to five days of paid paternity leave, according to a recently approved law. The first six months following the child’s birth is when these five days of leave should be taken. Paternity leave does not include regular weekends off.
Whereas, according to the previously existing law, the public sector employees were also assigned 3 working days fully-paid paternity leaves. However, it is not made clear yet if this new advancement in the UAE labor law is applicable for public sector worker.
Taking Paternity Leave in the UAE
Avail the beneficial leave if you are a worker of a private organization. This policy is specifically designed to help workers embrace fatherhood. Fulfill the following criteria to become eligible of this policy;
Steps to Apply for Paternity Leave
The following steps are required to follow to get the paternity leave from your office:
1- Go through your company’s paternal leave policy first and must know about the estimated requirements and deadline.
2- Gather all the necessary documents that support your request and confirm the birth of the child.
3- Hand the request letter to the designated HR manager or the authorized person along with the needed documents.
4- Have patience for a while. Your employer will evaluate your documents and make sure they align with the legislature.
5- Plan your vacations and discuss it with your supervisor to enable effective communication and work management in your absence.
6- Compile the action plan to be applied behind your back by the person who will be assigned to work in your place.
7- Resume your professional work as soon as you get back.
Documentation Requirements
The paperwork required by the companies may vary depending on the policies of the employers. However, here are the common ones:
- Child’s Birth Certificate: The newborn’s official birth certificate will be demanded, confirming the child’s existence and lineage.
- Job Contract: To confirm the father’s job status and eligibility under the rules of the particular industry, a copy of the father’s current employment contract may be needed.
- Notice to Employer: A formal request for paternity leave, or written notice, should be filed in accordance with the employer’s policy. The letter should frequently include the desired start date of the leave.
- Marriage Certificate: To verify the link between the employee and the mother of the child, some employers may ask for a copy of the couple’s marriage license.
- Provide copies of the father’s, mother’s, and child’s passports if their nationality or place of residence is relevant to their eligibility for leave.
Returning to Work After Leave
Once you are done spending your leaves, you have to get back to your workplace. Resuming your work with compassion and better communication with your manager make you a valuable asset to the company. Schedule all the workload that is yet to be finished.
Conclusion
The paternity leaves in the UAE hold immense value and should be mandatory like maternity leaves. Therefore, knowing all the details and complete understanding of this right is necessary.
Furthermore, organizations may reap concrete advantages from paternity leave, such as increased worker motivation, less staff attrition, and increased employee satisfaction and loyalty. As time goes on, maintaining and improving paternity leave laws will probably be crucial to drawing and keeping top talent, encouraging happier, more balanced lifestyles, and eventually fostering a more affluent and just society.
FAQs
Does the UAE give paternity leave?
The new revision in UAE Labour Law introduced 5 working days paternity leave for all soon-to-be fathers.
How many days is maternity leave in the UAE?
If the female employee has been working for one year in the company, she is eligible to avail 45 working days leaves. These are fully paid.
Can I take paternity leave during probation period in the UAE?
Paternity leave in the UAE during the probation period is applicable to all the male employees employed in the private sector.
