Falling ill at work raises two questions: how many sick days you have, and how they are paid. Article 31 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 sets the rules for the UAE private sector.
How many sick days
After probation, you can take up to 90 days of sick leave for each year of service, together or in parts.
- Days 1 to 15: full pay
- Days 16 to 45: half pay
- Days 46 to 90: unpaid
During probation
There is no paid sick leave during probation. Your employer may approve unpaid sick leave if you give a medical report.
Telling your employer
You must tell your employer within 3 days and provide a medical report from a recognised health provider.
Worked example
Total salary AED 8,000, so daily pay is AED 266.67. You have used 10 sick days this year and are off for 20 more. Five days are left at full pay and the other 15 fall in the half-pay band: 5 × 266.67 + 15 × 133.33 = AED 3,333.33.
Full pay of what?
The law says “full pay” and “half pay” without saying whether this is total or basic salary. Many employers pay the full wage, but check your contract or ask HR.
Protection while you are sick
Your employer may not dismiss you or give you notice while you are on sick leave. If you use all 90 days and still cannot return, the employer may end the contract, and your end of service benefits are still due.
Sources
- Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations
- Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 (Executive Regulations)
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
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