Under UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, as amended), private-sector employees are entitled to 30 days of paid annual leave for each year of service after completing one year of employment.
Taking time off work is important, as the stress related to it tires a person from the inside out. In this situation, a month or so is much needed to take a break, rest, manage personal life, and recover. This not only lets the employee recharge and spend time with family, but also benefits the company, as a break helps them stay more focused when they return to work.
Under the UAE Labour Laws, it is specified that employees can take 30 calendar days of annual leave. But is it paid, who is eligible, are holidays also included, or can it be carried forward for the next year? Employees should know how it works and the rules that apply to avoid possible confusion.
Table of Contents
What Is Annual Leave Entitlement in the UAE?
An annual leave entitlement in the UAE is a framework that grants employees 30 calendar days of annual leave once they complete one year of service in the company. The annual leave provision is defined under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 of the UAE Labour Laws.
Benefits of annual leaves in UAE:
- Full Pay During Leave
- Accrual for New Employees
- Carrying Forward Leave
- End-of-Service Payout
Annual Leave Entitlement in UAE Based on Length of Service
As per the UAE Labour Law, the annual leave entitlement in UAE is based on the time period of service you complete in a company. Look at a breakdown here of the length of service:
- After Six Months of Employment
If you have completed six months of service in the company, but less than a year, you can receive 2 calendar days of leave per month till one year is completed.
- After One Year of Employment
Once you complete one year of service in your company in the UAE, you can gain access to the 30-day annual leave under the UAE annual leave policy.
- On Less Than 6 Months
If you have not completed even six months of service in the company, you have no statutory entitlement to paid annual leave from your employer.
- For Resignation or Termination
When you resign from your job without completing a full year of service, your annual leave entitlement will be calculated on the basis of how long you worked during that time.
Moreover, part-time workers can also benefit from the UAE annual leave policy, but their leave is calculated based on their working hours, according to the employment contract and UAE Labour Law regulations.
UAE Annual Leave Policy: Rules Employees and Employers Should Know
Here are the rules and regulations of the UAE Labour Law annual leave that employees and employers should know:
- Using Annual Leave on Time: Employees are expected to use their annual leave on time, rather than saving it for future years.
- Annual Leave Scheduling: Employers can set leave days based on work requirements or arrange the leave on rotation to maintain business continuity.
- A Notification Period: Employers should notify employees of the leave days at least one month in advance.
- Public Holidays: Public holidays that fall within the annual leaves in UAE are counted as part of the leave, unless the employer provides an additional leave-day benefit in their employment contract.
- Carry-Forward Rule: Annual leave that is unused for any reason can be used in the next year, as per the company’s rules and consent of the employer.
- The 2-Year Rule: Employers may not restrict their employees from taking two years of consecutive annual leave, unless the employee agrees to receive cash compensation or chooses to carry the leave forward, as per the company’s rules and UAE annual leave policy.
- Job Termination: If an employee resigns or their employment is terminated before they can use all accrued annual leave, they may receive compensation for the unused days.
How to Apply for Annual Leave in the UAE
Applying for annual leave in the UAE is simple, as all you need to do is check if you are eligible according to the UAE Labour Law annual leave, choose suitable dates, and submit a formal application to your company.
- Check Your Eligibility: Check if you are eligible to take annual leave by confirming whether you have completed one year. If you have not completed one year but have six months, you can receive 2 paid leave days per month.
- Prepare Your Leave Request: Provide a formal leave request to your employer at least one month in advance. Consider preparing a formal email, rather than texting or messaging through WhatsApp.
- Wait for the Approval: Make sure the dates are approved before you make travel or other plans.
- Plan Your Handover: Complete all the urgent tasks and coordinate with your seniors and colleagues to ensure a smooth transition of work in your absence.
Conclusion
The annual leave policy in the UAE allows employees to take a refreshing break from their work. It grants them a 30-day leave after they complete one year of service in a company. To get the best benefit of this policy, they should understand the annual leave rules and know if they are eligible. On the other hand, employers should ensure that their annual leave practices comply with the regulations of the UAE Labour Law.
Staff Connect is a recruitment and staffing agency in the UAE, offering permanent, temporary, and contract hiring solutions to businesses. Whether the company needs staff related to IT, marketing, HR personnel, or finance, we find the finest talents suiting their company goals and needs. If you are a business in the UAE looking for an authorized staffing company, you can reach out to us and get the best talent recruitment solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can my employer cancel my approved annual leave in the UAE?
Generally, no, an employer cannot cancel your approved annual leave without a valid operational reason and proper notice.
Can I take annual leave during my notice period?
Taking annual leave during your probation period is possible if your employer allows it.
Do weekends count as annual leave in the UAE?
Yes, weekends also count as annual leave in the UAE.
Can I take annual leave in separate periods instead of all at once?
Yes, you can take annual leave in separate periods instead of all at once.
Can my employer ask me to work during my annual leave?
No, your employer cannot legally force you to work during your annual leave period.
