UAE legal Q&A: What are the repercussions for a single pregnant woman at work?

Q: If a woman who has just moved here from the US finds out that she is pregnant – the father is in her home country and no longer involved with the woman – would she be able to keep her job? Could her employer have her arrested? What options are available to a single woman who became pregnant outside of the UAE?

A: There is no legal relation between a woman being pregnant and her occupation, unless her pregnancy would affect her duties. The employer would have no right to get involved in the woman’s personal matters, beyond issues that relate to her job. As per Article 30 of the Labour Law, a pregnant woman, if she has been employed for more than one year, is entitled to maternity leave with full pay for 45 days. If she has worked for less than a year, she is still entitled to the 45 days of leave but without pay.

Q: I have been working in a semi-government oil company in Abu Dhabi on a one-year renewable contract as a temporary officer. I am approaching five years' service on this basis and I wondered whether I would be eligible for any end-of-service gratuity? Is gratuity enshrined in law for expats?

A: Yes, you are entitled to gratuity as you have been employed with the same employer for more than one year. The rolling contract is of no significance.

Q: Can I sue a milk company because one of its products contained a black liquid that was mistakenly consumed by my pregnant wife? The expiration date of the product was November this year, so it was in date. I have brought the incident to the attention of Sharjah's consumer rights department and I have proof that the product was faulty. I feel the product put my wife at risk.

A: If you have proof of what you believe is a faulty product then of course you can pursue a criminal case through filing a police complaint and a civil case through court.

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