Dubai govt staff to get 3-mth maternity leave
dubai — Women workers in the public sector on Wednesday welcomed the latest amendments introduced to the maternity rules which entitle them to a mandatory three-month leave.
According to Wam news agency, Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has approved three-month paid maternity leave for Dubai government employees effective March 1. The maternity leave can be combined with regular leave or unpaid leave, but for a maximum period of 120 days.
The time for breastfeeding has been extended from one to two hours a day, effective from the day of delivery for a full year. These paid hours, to be reduced to one hour during the holy month of Ramadan, can be availed in the beginning or at the end of the daily working hours.
In the case of abortion or giving birth to a stillborn, the working woman shall be entitled to sick leave based on a report officially attested by a medical committee. The mother of a special needs baby shall be given fully paid leave, the period of which will be determined by the official medical committee as per the baby’s condition.
Azza Sayed Atwa, an Egyptian secretary, told Khaleej Times that the amendment introduced to the maternity leave is timely and will hopefully attract more women to the labour market. “However, some employers may opt to recruit more men instead.”
Zainab Faruq Ahmed, a Syrian nurse, said the decision will
enhance women’s position in the labour market. “It will set a much-needed balance between women’s career and family responsibilities.” Wafa Al Wakeel, a teacher, said she hoped the private sector would implement the same. “I am due to give birth to my baby next month, and wish to enjoy a three-month paid leave.” Shaikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council and the Dubai Women Establishment, formed a national committee that reviewed the UAE Maternity Law last year.
Earlier, working mothers in public sector were entitled to two-month maternity leave against 45 days for those in the private sector. Abu Dhabi and Sharjah recently revised their laws to give working mothers an extended leave with full pay.