Mohre Sick Leave. If you are working in the UAE, understanding MOHRE sick leave rules is very important. After completing probation, private sector employees are entitled to 90 days of sick leave per year. This includes 15 days full pay, 30 days half pay, and 45 days unpaid. Paid sick leave requires a valid medical certificate from a licensed hospital or clinic. In Dubai, certificates must follow Dubai Health Authority procedures, while other Emirates may involve MOHAP hospitals.

This guide covers MOHRE rules, medical certificate requirements, MOHAP sick leave application, sick leave without a medical certificate, free zone differences, termination after 90 days, and complaint procedures, so you clearly understand your rights and responsibilities.

Legal Framework of Sick Leave in UAE

Sick leave in the UAE private sector is regulated under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021. The labour authority responsible for enforcing this law is:

Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
MOHRE ensures companies follow labour law and protects employee rights.
Healthcare regulation in many Emirates is managed by:
Ministry of Health and Prevention
In Dubai specifically, medical certification is regulated by:
Dubai Health Authority

Each authority has a specific role. Labour rights are handled by MOHRE. Medical documentation is regulated by MOHAP and DHA.

Maximum Sick Leave Entitlement – 90 Days Rule

After completing probation, every private sector employee is entitled to up to 90 days of sick leave per year.

This 90 days may be:

Continuous (for one long illness), or
Intermittent (separate days throughout the year).

It is calculated within a 12-month service period. Unused sick leave does not carry forward to the next year.

Complete Breakdown of Sick Leave Salary

The 90 days are divided into three clear stages:

First 15 Days – Full Pay

Employee receives full basic salary and allowances as per contract.

Next 30 Days – Half Pay

Employee receives 50% of salary.

Remaining 45 Days – Unpaid

No salary is paid during this stage.

This structure protects both employer and employee.

Sick Leave During Probation

During probation period:

Employee is not entitled to paid sick leave.
Employer may grant unpaid sick leave.
A medical report from recognized medical authority is required.

If no medical proof is provided, employer may mark absence as unauthorized and deduct salary.

Conditions to Receive Paid Sick Leave

To qualify for paid sick leave:

Employee must complete probation.
Illness must not be work-related injury.
Employer must be informed within 3 days.
Valid medical certificate must be submitted.

Workplace injuries follow separate compensation laws.

Cases Where Paid Sick Leave Is Not Allowed

Paid sick leave will not be granted if:

Illness resulted from alcohol or drug misuse.
Illness occurred due to employee misconduct.
Employee violated safety rules knowingly.
Employee is still in probation.

Employer may legally refuse salary payment in these cases.

Legal Requirement to Inform Employer

Under UAE Labour Law, employee must notify employer within 3 days of falling sick.

A medical certificate must be provided from licensed medical entity.

Failure to inform may result in salary deduction or leave rejection.

Can Employer Terminate Employee During Sick Leave?

Employer cannot dismiss employee during approved sick leave period. However, if employee exhausts all 90 days and remains medically unfit, employer may legally terminate contract.

In such case, employee is still entitled to:

End of service benefits
Pending salary
Legal dues

MOHRE Sick Leave Certificate

Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation does not issue medical certificates.

Medical certificates are issued by licensed hospitals and clinics only.

MOHRE handles disputes and complaints regarding labour rights.

Medical Certificate for Sick Leave UAE

Medical certificate is mandatory for paid sick leave. Certificate must clearly include:

Patient name
Emirates ID or passport number
Diagnosis summary
Leave duration
Doctor signature
Hospital stamp
Medical license number

If certificate is incomplete, employer may reject it.

Dubai Sick Leave Certificate Process

In Dubai, medical certification must follow rules of: Dubai Health Authority

Step-by-Step Dubai Process

Visit DHA licensed hospital or clinic.
Doctor examines your condition.
Certificate is issued if medically required.
Healthcare provider uploads certificate to DHA online system.
Employee receives digital or printed copy.
Employee submits to employer.

For sick leave of 3 consecutive days or more, DHA system upload is required.

MOHAP Sick Leave Application

Ministry of Health and Prevention operates government hospitals in many Emirates. If you visit MOHAP hospital:

Medical evaluation is conducted.
Doctor issues official sick leave certificate.
For extended illness, case may go to Higher Medical Committee.
Certificate is submitted to employer.

MOHAP Sick Leave Download PDF

Many employees search for MOHAP sick leave download PDF. Process depends on hospital system:

Printed copy provided at hospital.
Digital copy may be sent by email.
Some hospitals allow portal login to download PDF.

Always verify certificate details before submitting.

Long-Term Sick Leave and Higher Medical Committee

If illness exceeds extended period, especially more than one month, medical committee may review case. Committee checks:

Authenticity of medical condition
Treatment plan
Leave duration necessity

This ensures fairness and prevents misuse.

Sick Leave Without Medical Certificate UAE

Under UAE Labour Law, paid sick leave requires valid medical certificate.

Without certificate:

Employer may mark leave unpaid.
Salary deduction may occur.
Absence may be recorded as unauthorized.

Some companies allow 1–2 self-certified sick days per year, but this is internal policy only.

Free Zone Sick Leave Regulations

Some free zones operate under their own employment laws.

Examples include:

Dubai International Financial Centre
Abu Dhabi Global Market
These zones may have different sick leave structures.
Other zones usually follow federal law.

Employees should always check employment contract and HR department policy.

Types of Leave in UAE Private Sector

Private sector employees are entitled to multiple leave types:

Annual leave
Sick leave
Maternity leave
Parental leave
Compassionate leave
Study leave
Hajj leave
National service leave

Each leave type has its own eligibility and duration rules.

Documentation and Record Keeping

Employee Responsibilities

Employees should maintain copies of:

Medical certificates
Prescriptions
Pharmacy receipts
Employer communication
Sick leave application forms

Good record keeping protects employee rights.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers must track:

Sick leave balance
Salary calculations
Medical certificate records
Return-to-work documentation

Accurate documentation reduces disputes.

Health Insurance and Sick Leave

All UAE employers must provide health insurance coverage.

Health insurance covers medical expenses.
Sick leave ensures salary continuation during illness.

Both systems work together to provide complete employee protection.

Common Employer Violations

Employers may violate rules by:

Rejecting valid medical certificate
Deducting incorrect salary
Terminating during sick leave
Forcing employee to work

These actions can be reported.

Common Employee Violations

Employees must avoid:

Fake medical certificates
Late notification
Working elsewhere during sick leave
Misusing sick leave repeatedly

Such actions may result in termination.

Filing Complaint

If employer violates sick leave rights: File complaint with MOHRE. Documents required:

Employment contract
Medical certificates
Salary slips
Communication records

MOHRE may impose fines or legal penalties.

Practical Scenarios

Short Illness Example

Employee sick for 6 days.
Certificate submitted.
Employee receives full salary if within first 15 days.

Extended Illness Example

Employee sick for 80 days.

Payment:

15 days full pay
30 days half pay
35 days unpaid

If illness continues beyond 90 days, employer may legally terminate with end-of-service benefits.

Important Reminders

Maximum 90 days per year.
Inform employer within 3 days.
Medical certificate required.
Salary structure fixed by law.
Employer cannot terminate during approved sick leave.

FAQs About MOHRE Sick Leave UAE

How many sick leave days are allowed in the UAE?

Ans: Private sector employees are entitled to 90 days of sick leave per year after completing probation. These 90 days can be continuous or separate within a 12-month period.

Is all 90 days of sick leave fully paid?

Ans: No. The payment structure is divided into three parts: First 15 days → Full salary. Next 30 days → Half salary. Remaining 45 days → Unpaid

Can I take sick leave during probation?

Ans: You are not entitled to paid sick leave during probation. However, your employer may grant unpaid leave if you submit a valid medical report.

Is a medical certificate required for sick leave in the UAE?

Ans: Yes. Paid sick leave requires a medical certificate from a licensed hospital or clinic. Without a certificate, the employer may mark your leave as unpaid.

What happens if I do not submit a medical certificate?

Ans: If you fail to submit a valid certificate, your employer may: Deduct salary. Mark absence as unpaid. Record the leave as unauthorized

Which authority manages sick leave rules in the UAE?

Ans: Labour rights are managed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. Medical certificates in Dubai are regulated by the Dubai Health Authority. Government hospitals in many Emirates operate under the Ministry of Health and Prevention.

Can an employer terminate me during sick leave?

Ans: No. An employer cannot terminate you while you are on approved sick leave. However, if you complete all 90 days and remain medically unfit to return to work, the employer may legally terminate the contract with end-of-service benefits.

Does sick leave carry forward to the next year?

Ans: No. Unused sick leave does not carry forward to the next year.

Conclusion

In the UAE, private sector employees are entitled to 90 days of sick leave per year after probation. The first 15 days are fully paid, the next 30 days are half paid, and 45 days are unpaid. A valid medical certificate is required for paid leave, regulated by the Dubai Health Authority or Ministry of Health and Prevention. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation ensures compliance and handles complaints if disputes arise.