With recent changes in labour legislation, one question that frequently arises is, can employer terminate pregnant employee in UAE?
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Can employer terminate pregnant employee in UAE?
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 new labour laws that took effect on 2nd February 2022.
“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.
FAQs about terminating a pregnant employee UAE
Conclusion: Can employer terminate 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 Al Mulla Lawyers today! Click the Whatsapp icon below or visit our Contact Us page.
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We recommend you read about Employee rights on termination in UAE Dubai and learn about Filing Lawsuit Against Employer Wrongful Termination in UAE Dubai.
Also, you can consult the Best 3 wrongful termination lawyers near you in Dubai.
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.