With recent changes in labor legislation, one question that frequently arises is, can you terminate a pregnant employee in UAE 2024?
This article explains termination during pregnancy in UAE and the related legal services.
Contact our expert labor law firm in UAE. Click the WhatsApp icon below.
Table of Contents
Can you terminate a pregnant employee in UAE Law?
Pregnancy is a natural occurrence in a woman’s life and should not be a reason for job termination. In the UAE, it is illegal to terminate a woman’s employment contract because of her pregnancy.
This is stipulated in the UAE law for pregnant employee.
“It is not permissible to terminate the service of the female worker or notify her of the same because of the pregnancy, having a maternity leave or her absence from work in accordance with the provisions of this Article.” – Article 30, point 8 of the UAE Labour Law
Maternity Leave days
The new labour law also delineates provisions for maternity leave. Women are entitled to 60 days of maternity leave, with the first 45 days at full pay and the remaining 15 at half pay.
Additionally, there is a provision for up to another 45 days of leave in case the mother or the child is unwell, but a medical certificate must support this.
However, this additional time off can be unpaid and does not contribute towards calculating the end-of-service gratuity.
Breastfeeding hours UAE labor law private sector
Once a woman returns from maternity leave, she is entitled to one or two breaks per day to breastfeed her child for not more than six months from the delivery date.
These breaks should not exceed an hour in total. It is also important to note that employers can offer additional leave if they choose to do so.
We recommend you read about Employee rights on termination in UAE Dubai and learn about Filing Lawsuit Against Employer Wrongful Termination in UAE Dubai.
Legal services related to UAE pregnancy law
Our expert labor lawyer in Dubai specializes in providing comprehensive services related to the rights and protections of pregnant employees under UAE labor laws. These include:
- Legal Consultation on Pregnancy-Related Employment Laws: Detailed guidance on UAE labor laws concerning termination during pregnancy, maternity leave, and employee rights.
- Representation in Wrongful Termination Cases: Advocating for employees facing unlawful termination due to pregnancy or maternity-related issues.
- Drafting and Reviewing Employment Contracts: Ensuring employment agreements comply with UAE labor laws to protect employee rights during pregnancy.
- Negotiation and Mediation Services: Resolving disputes between employees and employers regarding pregnancy-related employment issues without litigation.
- Filing Legal Claims for Unlawful Termination: Assisting in filing lawsuits and seeking compensation for violations of pregnancy-related rights.
- Advisory Services for Employers: Ensuring that employers understand their obligations under UAE labor laws to avoid legal repercussions related to the termination of pregnant employees.
Contact our labor law specialists for tailored assistance in addressing any issues related to the termination of pregnant employees in the UAE.
Also, you can consult the Best 3 wrongful termination lawyers near you in Dubai.
FAQs about terminating a pregnant employee UAE
Conclusion: Can you terminate a pregnant employee in UAE?
The UAE’s labour laws offer robust protection to pregnant women, safeguarding them against unlawful termination.
Employers cannot terminate a pregnant employee without a valid reason, and doing so constitutes a breach of the law.
Pregnant employees should be aware of their rights and seek legal help if they feel their rights have been violated. Remember, pregnancy is not a valid ground for termination, and the law is on your side.
Contact our labor law firm in UAE for expert help. Click the Whatsapp icon below.
A legal consultant specializing in UAE labor law. He regularly publishes articles on the website and writes on various areas of UAE law, with a specific focus on labor law.
