Compassionate leave in the UAE is a right that every employee may need to use during difficult personal times. Whether it’s the loss of a family member, a serious illness, or other emergencies, compassionate leave ensures that employees get the time they need to deal with grief or support loved ones—without putting their job at risk.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the rules, entitlements, eligibility, and the process around compassionate leave in the UAE, and how businesses should handle it responsibly.
Understanding Compassionate Leave in the UAE
Compassionate leave refers to paid or unpaid time off granted to employees during a personal crisis, usually linked to death or critical illness of an immediate family member.
This form of leave helps support the emotional well-being of employees, allowing them space to grieve, travel, or manage urgent family matters.
Is Compassionate Leave Mandatory in the UAE?
Yes. Under the UAE Labour Law, compassionate leave is recognized and granted under specific conditions. However, the length of leave, eligibility, and whether it is paid or unpaid may depend on:
- Employee’s contract
- Type of employer (government, mainland, free zone)
- Nature of emergency
Duration of Compassionate Leave in UAE
The UAE Labour Law allows for up to 5 days of compassionate leave in the event of the death of a close family member. However, the exact leave period may vary by:
Relationship to the Deceased
- First-degree relatives (spouse, parent, child): Up to 5 days
- Second-degree relatives (siblings, grandparents): Up to 3 days
- Some private companies may offer extended or unpaid leave for special cases.
Employer Discretion
Some companies may have internal HR policies that allow more generous leave. It’s important to check your employment contract or employee handbook for specific company rules.
Who Qualifies for Compassionate Leave in the UAE?
Employees in the UAE qualify for compassionate leave if they experience the death or serious illness of an immediate family member, such as a spouse, parent, or child. Eligibility depends on the employment contract and company policy, but most full-time employees under UAE Labor Law are entitled to this leave.
All Full-Time Employees
All full-time employees working under UAE labour contracts are entitled to compassionate leave if they meet the required criteria.
Government Employees
Employees in the public sector usually receive the full extent of the law, with some government entities allowing longer leave.
Free Zone and Private Sector Employees
Free zones and private companies are also required to offer compassionate leave, but the implementation may vary based on HR policy and company culture.
Documents Required for Compassionate Leave
To apply for compassionate leave in the UAE, employees are generally required to submit:
Death Certificate
A copy of the death certificate is usually required. If the death occurs abroad, authenticated foreign documents may be needed.
Proof of Relationship
Documents proving the relationship to the deceased, such as a passport, family book, or official letter, are often requested.
Travel Documents
If the employee travels to attend a funeral, flight tickets or boarding passes may be used as supporting evidence.
Is Compassionate Leave Paid in UAE?
Compassionate leave in the UAE is generally paid, especially when granted for the loss of immediate family members. The number of paid days may vary by company policy and contract terms. Most employers offer 3 to 5 days of paid leave, but it’s always best to confirm with HR.
Paid Leave for Close Relatives
In most cases, compassionate leave is fully paid for deaths involving first-degree relatives.
Partial or Unpaid Leave
If the relationship is not direct, or if additional days are needed beyond the law, companies may offer unpaid leave or require personal leave days.
Applying for Compassionate Leave: Step-by-Step
To apply for compassionate leave in the UAE, notify your employer immediately, preferably in writing. Submit a formal leave request along with supporting documents like a death certificate or medical report. HR will review your application based on UAE labor laws. Once approved, your leave days and pay will be confirmed.
Step 1 – Notify Your Manager or HR
As soon as possible, inform your manager or HR department about the situation and your intent to apply for compassionate leave.
Step 2 – Submit Required Documents
Provide the necessary supporting documents including the death certificate, relationship proof, and travel records if applicable.
Step 3 – Approval & Record
Your HR team will process the leave, record the absence, and confirm if it’s paid or unpaid, based on internal policy.
Employer Responsibilities for Compassionate Leave
Companies in the UAE are required to treat such situations with empathy, legality, and flexibility.
Ensure Compliance with UAE Labour Law
Employers must follow the minimum leave entitlements as per federal law. Failing to do so can result in labour complaints or legal action.
Update HR Policies
Businesses should clearly define compassionate leave guidelines in their HR policy and train managers on how to handle such requests professionally.
Provide Emotional Support
Good employers go beyond paperwork—offering mental health support, EAP programs, or even extended leave in certain cases.
Common Scenarios for Compassionate Leave
Common scenarios for compassionate leave include the death of a close family member, such as a parent, spouse, or child. It also applies when attending funerals abroad, supporting a terminally ill loved one, or dealing with pregnancy loss. Each case requires official documentation to approve leave under UAE labor regulations.
Death of a Parent Abroad
If a parent passes away outside the UAE, the employee can apply for compassionate leave and travel to the home country. The same documentation is required.
Child Loss or Pregnancy-Related Bereavement
The UAE is increasingly addressing pregnancy loss and infant death. In some cases, employers offer extended bereavement leave for such tragedies.
Caring for Terminally Ill Relatives
While not always legally covered, some businesses allow unpaid or special emergency leave to care for a terminally ill parent or child.
How Compassionate Leave Impacts Your Annual Leave
Compassionate leave is separate from annual leave. It does not deduct from your annual leave days unless your company policy says otherwise.
However, if you need more days than allowed, you might be asked to combine it with annual leave or take unpaid days off.
Compassionate Leave vs Sick Leave in UAE
Many people confuse sick leave with compassionate leave, but they are different in purpose and documentation.
- Sick Leave: For your own illness, requires medical reports and may allow up to 90 days
- Compassionate Leave: For family-related emergencies, requires death certificates or legal proof, and is much shorter in duration
Can an Employer Deny Compassionate Leave?
Under UAE law, an employer cannot deny valid requests for compassionate leave in qualifying situations. However:
- If documentation is missing, the process may be delayed
- If the request is outside the scope of the law, the employer has the right to grant or reject extended time off
Best Practices for Businesses to Handle Compassionate Leave
Employers in Dubai and across the UAE must develop employee-first HR policies that reflect the reality of personal loss.
Clear Leave Policies
Have a clearly written grievance and leave policy that covers compassionate leave, including process, duration, and salary treatment.
Train HR & Managers
Managers should be trained to respond sensitively and efficiently, especially when grief is involved.
Support Tools
Offer tools like mental health support, paid bereavement days, and EAP access for employee recovery.
Conclusion
Compassionate leave in the UAE is not just a legal right—it’s a humane practice that respects the personal challenges employees face. Whether you are an employer building your policy or an employee navigating a loss, understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial.
For businesses looking to set up in Dubai with compliant HR policies and a responsible framework, it helps to consult professionals. If you’re planning your business journey, connect with our team for expert help on Business Setup in Dubai, UAE.
FAQs
How many days of compassionate leave can I take in the UAE?
You’re entitled to up to 5 days for the death of a first-degree relative, and 3 days for second-degree relatives.
Is compassionate leave paid in the UAE?
Yes, it is usually paid, especially for first-degree relatives. Some companies may offer unpaid extensions based on HR policy.
Do I need to submit documents for compassionate leave?
Yes. You must submit a death certificate, proof of relationship, and possibly travel documents if needed.
Can I take more leave beyond what the law allows?
You can request additional unpaid or annual leave, but it depends on your employer’s discretion.
Does compassionate leave affect my annual leave balance?
No, it’s a separate category and should not be deducted from annual leave unless otherwise mentioned in your company’s policy.
