Unified UAE Legislation Database

Maternity and paternity leaves and related rights in DIFC

Status

In force

Issuing Authority

Effective date

XX.XX.XXXX

Official Link

https://

DIFC Employment Law provides employees with special guarantees related to the birth or adoption of a child. These rules govern maternity leave, paternity leave, the right to return to work and time for medical appointments. The employer has no right to:

- dismiss an employee due to pregnancy or maternity / paternity leave

- modify working conditions without written consent

 

After maternity leave, the employee returns:

- to their previous position,

- with the same conditions and job level.

 

1. General rules of Maternity Leave

A female employee has a right for paid maternity leave for 65 work days.

In order to get maternity leave and pay, the following conditions must be met:

 

Condition

What is required

Duration of employment

at least 12 months, including any period of Secondment, immediately preceding the expected or actual week of childbirth

 

2. Maternity pay

For maternity leave payments DIFC Employment Law stipulates the division of the 65 days of leave into two parts: 

 

Period Pay
First 33 work days100% of the Employee’s Daily Wage

 

Example:

The daily wage of an employee going on mater...