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60-day maternity leave for expats in Sharjah

Expatriate mothers working in the emirate will also be granted 60-day maternity leave, according to a decision announced by the Sharjah Executive Council (SEC) on Saturday.

Till now, a federal ruling allowed women paid maternity leave of 45 days only. However, with the SEC’s decision, Sharjah becomes the first emirate in the UAE to extend the ruling to 60 days for both Emiratis and expatriates. The decision also applies to male employees whose wives deliver babies in and outside the UAE, entitling them to fatherhood (paternity) leave for three days with pay. A 2001 law that was revised in 2011 by the SEC allowed only Emirati women to take 60 days off and an unpaid leave of 100 days.

Tariq Sultan bin Khadim, member of the SEC, lauded the decision granting non-Emirati mothers an extension of 15 days more with pay as per the directives by His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

Commending the gesture of the Sharjah Ruler, Khadim added that the move aims to give expatriate mothers their natural right to look after their babies.

Dr Hessa Khalfan Al Ghazal, Director Executive Committee, Sharjah Baby Friendly Emirate Campaign, while commenting on the ruling, said that the law meant that both Emiratis and expatriates were equal. “I am glad this has been announced since all mothers have the same rights...and all should be given this time off to care for their babies,” she said.

She said that the law was related to the Baby Friendly Campaign, the primary goal of which was to empower women so that they could spend enough time with their babies and continue to breastfeed them. “Breastfeeding is vital in promoting the physical and mental health of children and mothers and through this campaign, we want to empower all women.”

(With inputs from Wam)

asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com