Eligibility for a sick leave (paid and unpaid)
An employee is entitled to a sick leave of not more than 90 days, whether continuous or intermittent, per year of service, after completing the probationary period. Sick leave is calculated as follows:
- full pay for the first 15 days
- half pay for the next 30 days
- no pay for the remaining 45 days.
Although a worker is not entitled to paid sick leave during the probationary period, the employer may grant unpaid sick leave during this time, based on a medical report issued by a recognised medical authority indicating the necessity of such leave.
Note: The sick leave term here refers to cases with sickness not caused by occupational injuries or hazards, as these are subject to their own laws and provisions.
The employee is ineligible for a paid sick leave in the following cases:
- during the probation period
- if the illness directly arises from the misconduct of the worker, such as the consumption of alcohol or narcotics
- if the worker violated the safety instructions in accordance with the applicable legislations in the UAE, and the rules set out in the firm's regulations, which the employee was informed of.
Notifying your employer of a sick leave
According to Article 31 of the UAE Labour Law, the employee must notify the employer about his sickness within maximum three days and submit a medical report on his condition, issued by the medical entity.
Can an employee be terminated on grounds of sickness?
An employer may not dismiss an employee or give him a termination notice while the employee is on sick leave. If the employee uses all of his 90 days’ sick leave and has not been able to report to work afterwards, the employer may terminate his services. In such a case, the employee shall be entitled to the end of service benefits in accordance with the provisions of the labour law.
Read more on sick leave as per UAE Labour Law and its Executive Regulations.
Source: MoHRE
Updated On :
13 Aug 2025
