Covid-19 in UAE: Company to book ticket for expat worker taking 'early leave'

Abu Dhabi - Employees will be asked to submit their annual leave dates or agree with their employers on unpaid leave.

By Wam

Published: Sun 5 Apr 2020, 3:33 PM

Last updated: Mon 6 Apr 2020, 9:59 AM

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, in cooperation with the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the General Civil Aviation Authority, and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, has launched the 'Early Leave' initiative.

The initiative aims to enable residents who work in the private sector and wish to return to their home countries to do so during the period of precautionary measures undertaken in the UAE to contain the spread of the new Covid-19 coronavirus.
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In response to foreign workers requests who are willing to return to their home countries during the Covid-19 situation in UAE, MoHRE's 'Early Leave' service is an extension of the support programs of the UAE Government.
Here's how to apply:
Employees will be asked to submit their annual leave dates or agree with their employers on unpaid leave.
All establishments must comply with the following procedures in a case a foreign worker requests an early leave:
- Specify the leave duration by signing an additional temporary form for the job contract - available on MoHRE's website and smart app - during the implementation of the precautionary measures to prevent the coronavirus spread.
- Booking a round trip ticket for the employee
- Contractual relationship between the employee and employer must continue. The early leave is considered unpaid leave, provided that all workers' entitlements are saved, as per labour laws.
- The leave ends after the employee is back, and the precautionary period is over.
- Work residencies for those who went back to their countries will be renewed automatically.

In response to foreign workers requests who are working in the Private Sector and are willing to return to their home countries, #MOHRE launched a new initiative 'Early Leave' -as an extension of the support programs of the UAE Government. Procedures are stated in the initiative. pic.twitter.com/LYYZCKIiCO
- MOHRE_UAE ????? ??????? ??????? ???????? (@MOHRE_UAE) April 5, 2020

The initiative is part of the humanitarian efforts of the UAE's wise leadership in meeting the needs of residents seeking to return to their home countries and supporting them in these difficult times.