Termination Due To Covid-19 Pandemic Effect

The spread of the Coronavirus has widely traversed the world wherein it has unveiled the vulnerability of the global economy. This effect has agitating for the businesses as they were vastly affected by the pandemic. During these unprecedented and ambiguous times, the U.A.E. government gets its under way in imposing measures to suppress the outbreak. Thus, the business sectors are determined to respond by preserving its workforce and organization by rightful termination due to COVID thereby they do not face insolvency.

In reference to the Judicial law of the United Arab Emirate herein stipulated as Section 2 of the U.A.E. Labor Law Federal Law No. (8) OF 1980 wherefore it confers sick leave entitlements and rights for employees, whereby when the same completed his or her probation period and has spent more than three months in continuous service for an employer he or she is entitled to a sick leave. Also, Article 83 of Section 2 of the U.A.E. Labor Law Federal Law No. (8) Of 1980 affirms that the duration of leave should not exceed 90 days of either consecutive or non-consecutive for every year of service. However in respect to Article 82 of Section 2 of the U.A.E. Labor Law Federal Law No. (8) Of 1980, as amended, the employee must notify the employer about his sickness within two days upon taking a sick leave. The employer has the right to put the employee under a medical examination in order to verify the illness, and the authenticity of the employee’s leave.

Rightful Employment Termination – Business Owners and Management in Dubai UAE Labour & Employment Law

The Dubai Health Authority has set its policy wherein employees in the private and public sectors are mandated to get a Sick Leave Certificate which will help to avert employers from workday losses. Thus, an employer may not dismiss or serve its employees termination whilst on sick leave. The same applies to the current pervasive situation we are faced with as the COVID 19 cases rapidly increase in numbers. If an employer breaches the contract with the employee without notifying them, the employee then has the right to file a complaint before the Ministry of Labor in the event whereof the employee and employer are unable to reach an amicable solution. An employee can claim compensation from the employer. If the employee uses all of his 90 days’ sick leave and was not 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 gratuity in accordance with the provisions of the U.A.E. Labor Law.

The U.A.E. Labor Law protects the rights of every employee, employer and the businesses in the United Arab Emirates. A person who lives and works in the U.A.E. has wide options to seek help if faced with employment-related matters as there is a comprehensive law, judiciary initiatives, public prosecutor, courts, lawyers, law firms, etc. We strongly recommend consulting experienced labor lawyers in Dubai such as Al Reyami Advocates & Muhyealdeen International Legal Consultants or any other legal consultant of choice for taking any legal action, other than this knowledge.