UAE Law on Terminating Employees During Maternity Leave

Aug 9, 2026

42 min

Aug 9, 2026 02:30

Ask Gulf News: Can UAE companies terminate employees on maternity leave?

## Legal Protection for Pregnant Employees

In the UAE, laws are in place to protect female employees from being terminated due to pregnancy or while on maternity leave. This protection is outlined in Article 30, which prohibits dismissals linked to these circumstances.

## Notice Period Regulations

Article 35 further clarifies that if an employment contract is to be terminated while an employee is on leave, the notice period does not begin until the day after the employee returns to work. This ensures that the leave period is respected and not used as a basis for termination.

## Best Practices for Employers

To avoid legal complications, it is advisable for employers to issue termination notices only after the employee has returned from maternity leave. This approach minimizes the risk of allegations that the termination is related to the employee's maternity status.

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