KT reader asks what to do after being diagnosed with illness that requires extended leave

Question: I have been diagnosed with a mental illness for which I will require an extended leave. Can I apply for a medical leave based on this? If so, for how long - paid and otherwise?

Answer: Pursuant to your queries, it is assumed that you are employed by a mainland company and have completed your probation period with your employer. Therefore, the provisions of Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulations of Employment Relations are applicable.

In the UAE, an employee is entitled to 90 days of annual leave upon completion of his or her probation period with an employer. This is in accordance with Article 31(3) of the Employment Law, which states, “An employee who completes his probationary period shall be entitled to a sick leave not exceeding (90) ninety days, successive or otherwise, in respect of each year of service, to be calculated as follows:

a. The first (15) fifteen days with full pay;

b. The next (30) thirty days with half pay;

c. Subsequent period without pay.”

Furthermore, an employee may avail leave without pay with the consent of his or her employer. This is in accordance with Article 33 (1) of the Employment Law, which states, “The employee may, after the consent of the employer, take an unpaid leave, other than leaves referred to herein."

The Employment Law and its subsequent ministerial decrees are silent on the nature of sickness to avail of sick leave....

Read Full Story: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiW2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmtoYWxlZWp0aW1lcy5j...