Bereavement Leave in UAE: Who Qualifies & How Long?

The UAE corporate world is evolving. Companies are recognizing the significance of work-life balance. With no compromise on efficiency, organizations are increasingly aware of the need to support their employees. Workers are also expected to get the desired support during their personal and emotional challenges. The loss of a loved one is a challenge that shatters a person to the core. Luckily, UAE companies have embraced the concept of bereavement leave since the very start. These leaves allow employees time to grieve and take care of their families.

The blog is written to enlighten knowledge on UAE bereavement leaves. Explore with us:

• What is UAE bereavement leave?
• Who qualifies for it?
• How long does it last?

It is essential to know the rights and responsibilities regarding compassionate leave. It’ll help employees and an employer to perform accordingly. Let’s move on to the details of how to request bereavement leave.

What is Bereavement Leave UAE?

Bereavement leave is also termed compassionate leave. It’s a paid time off granted to an employee. He/she can avail it when a close family member passes away. The leaves allow the employee to manage personal grief and funeral arrangements. Let him/her spend time with family during a tough time.

The UAE law offers clear guidelines on how much time off an employee can take. This ensures that workers can cope with their loss. In the meantime, maintain their professional responsibilities. Bereavement leave is the compassionate policy’s major component. Specifically designed to foster a supportive work environment.

Bereavement Leave UAE Labour Law

The UAE introduced Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, overhauling the country's labor law. This new law included provisions for bereavement leave and became effective on February 2, 2022. The guidelines under this law specify eligibility, duration, and procedures for claiming bereavement leave in the private sector.

We have outlined the key points of the UAE bereavement leave policy below:

• Relationship: Spouse
• Duration: 5 days
• Relationship: Parent, Child, Sibling, Grandparent, Grandchild
• Duration: 3 days

Who Qualifies for UAE Bereavement Leave?

Not everyone qualifies for bereavement leave. A worker qualifies for bereavement leave based on the relationship they had with the deceased. The law lists close family members. Including spouses, children, parents, and siblings only.

Eligibility for Bereavement Leave:

The eligibility criteria to avail of bereavement leaves are as under.

5 Days Leave: The employee is entitled to 5 days of paid leave if the employee’s spouse passes away.

3 Days Leave: Workers are eligible for 3 days of paid leave. When he/she loses a:

• Parent
• Child
• Sibling
• Grandparent, or
• Grandchild.

The emergency leave begins following the family member's death. Allowing employees to take time off for mourning and making funeral arrangements. They can even fulfill their other personal needs.

Workers are often stuck in leave salary calculations in the UAE. To them, get assistance from legal consultants.

When Can Employees Take Bereavement Leave in the UAE?

Bereavement leave can only be used when a close family member passes away. Workers must use this time to cope with the distress of losing a loved one. They can utilize them to handle any necessary funeral arrangements. Employees are allowed by law to take leave from the date of the death. Therefore, they can immediately begin managing their personal affairs without delay.

Key Points to Know About Bereavement Leave in the UAE

1. Paid Leave: Bereavement leave is paid. This means employees can receive their regular salary during this period.
2. Immediate Family Only: Bereavement leave applies only to the close family member. Extended family members are not included in the list for paid leave.
3. Duration is fixed: The law stipulates specific leave durations. However, it depends on the relationship to the deceased. Extending this leave under normal circumstances is not possible. Though employers may offer additional leave in certain situations.
4. Application Process: Employees must inform their employer of the death of a close family member. The employer may require proof. Include a death certificate before granting leave. Typically, this process is straightforward.
5. No Impact on Other Leave Types: Bereavement leave is separate from annual leave or sick leave. Remember, workers do not need to use their annual leave days for mourning.

FAQs

What is the Difference Between Bereavement Leave and Compassionate Leave?

Both terms refer to time off due to a loved one’s death. There is no difference in practice. Companies might use the terms interchangeably, but compassionate leave is sometimes used more broadly. It encompasses not only bereavement but also other personal or family-related emergencies.

How Do I Request a Bereavement Leave?

Inform your employer/HR department about the loss to request bereavement leave. Must provide any required documentation, like a death certificate. This helps you to support your claim immediately. Know your company’s HR policies well. They may offer a specific procedure for requesting such leave.

What if the Death Occurs During My Annual Leave?

You can switch your annual leave days to bereavement if a family member dies during your annual leave. This allows you to save your paid leave days. You can use them for vacation or other personal matters later.

Can an Employer Deny Bereavement Leave?

Employers by UAE law provide bereavement leaves as per the Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. Denying an employee the right to take bereavement leave is illegal. Employers may require documentation of the death before granting leave.

Supporting Employees During Grief

The family member's loss can be emotionally and mentally exhausting. The bereavement leave offers workers the space to grieve, reflect, and support their loved ones. We all need time off during this challenging time, and so do you. It fosters a compassionate and understanding workplace culture.

In addition to the bereavement leave granted by law, many companies choose to implement additional supportive measures, such as:

• Offering flexible working hours
• Counseling services, or
• Additional paid time off.

This can ease the burden on employees during difficult times. Ultimately, helps them return to work when they are ready.

Final Words - Sympathize with Your Workers!

Bereavement leave in the UAE is an essential benefit. The leave helps employees manage the loss of a loved one. Even without the added stress of worrying about work. The new UAE labor law under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 provides clear guidelines on bereavement leave. This offers employees the opportunity to mourn and care for their families. At the same time, they respect their professional responsibilities.

This information is vital for an employee dealing with a loss. It is also essential for an employer seeking to understand obligations. Be well-informed about your rights regarding compassionate leave. Such support creates a more supportive work environment.

Partner with Connect Legal to get support

Availing of bereavement leave is your right as an employee. If your employer is supportive enough, then he’ll offer you without making any effort. However, both parties need to understand the rights and obligations under the UAE law regarding bereavement leave. Confusion in mind? Let’s discuss this with you, We are here to provide you with a solution. We’ll also assist you in understanding paternity leave and maternity leave.

 If you have any queries, then contact us now and get in touch with the Connect Legal team.