Travel plans across the Middle East have been anything but smooth lately. With regional airspace restrictions disrupting flights, many UAE residents have found themselves unexpectedly stuck abroad. This has sparked plenty of questions about salaries, leave policies, and what employers can legally do if staff can’t return to work. If you’re wondering where employees and companies stand in this unusual situation, the UAE’s labour laws offer some guidance. Keep reading for a full breakdown of what the laws mean for employers and employees.
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UAE Labour Law – What Does It Say About Being Stranded Abroad
Under UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, which regulates employment relations in the country, the law does not specifically address situations where employees are stranded outside the UAE due to events such as airspace closures or regional conflicts. Instead, authorities and employers assess these cases using broader principles within employment law. These include an employee’s obligation to perform their duties, recognising when an absence is legitimate, and expecting employers to act reasonably and in good faith in extraordinary circumstances.
According to legal experts, if employees cannot return to the UAE due to factors beyond their control, such as war or airspace closures, the law generally considers their absence justified. In such cases, employers should review the circumstances carefully and avoid treating the absence as misconduct.
Inform Your Employer Immediately
Even if the situation is widely known, employees should notify their employer as soon as possible if they are stranded abroad. Workers may need to provide proof that they cannot return to the UAE. Maintaining clear communication is essential, as it allows employers to assess the circumstances and decide on appropriate arrangements.
Can Employers Terminate Employees For Absence?
Article 44 of the Labour Law allows employers to terminate an employee without notice if they are absent without a valid reason for more than seven consecutive days, or more than 20 intermittent days within a year. However, experts caution that authorities generally recognise absences caused by unavoidable circumstances, such as government travel restrictions or regional conflicts. If an employee can show that circumstances beyond their control prevented them from returning, an employer who dismisses them may face a challenge to the termination as unfair.
Salary Continuation & Remote Work Options
If an employee is stranded abroad but can still perform their duties remotely, employers should typically continue paying their salary. This is because the employment relationship remains active and the employee continues to fulfil their contractual responsibilities. However, for roles that require a physical presence in the UAE, employers may need to explore alternative solutions, including:
- Paid leave
- Using annual leave days
- Mutually agreed unpaid leave
In reality, many employers in the UAE handle such situations through practical and cooperative arrangements. Temporary remote work, flexible leave options, or adjustments to employment terms are often used to manage the situation while avoiding disputes. Such approaches align with the broader principles of flexibility and good faith that underpin the UAE’s labour framework.
UAE Airport Travel Updates
While some flights have resumed across the UAE, services are limited. Travellers are strongly advised to check with their airline before heading to the airport.
Dubai – DXB & DWC
Flights have partially resumed at Dubai International Airport, Dubai World Central, and Al Maktoum Airport. Only passengers with confirmed tickets who have been notified by their airline should travel to the airport. Emirates is currently operating a reduced schedule following the partial reopening of airspace, with services to 82 countries.
Abu Dhabi – Zayed International Airport
Passengers travelling through Zayed International Airport should only head to the airport if they have a confirmed booking. Etihad Airways is running a limited schedule to and from around 70 destinations between 6 March and 19 March.
Sharjah – Sharjah International Airport
Many flights at Sharjah International Airport remain suspended. Only confirmed passengers can enter the terminal. Travellers should also check live updates through the airport’s website, SMS alerts, email notifications, or official social media channels before travelling.
Ras Al Khaimah & Fujairah
Both Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and Fujairah Airport have resumed limited operations. Passengers should stay in touch with their airlines for the latest flight updates and rebooking options.
With travel conditions still evolving, employees and employers should stay informed and work together to find practical solutions that avoid unnecessary disputes. And of course, if you want to stay in the loop on travel updates, stick with Gulf Buzz as we’ve got all the updates!
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