What is compassionate leave and when can employees apply for it?

Compassionate leave (also known as bereavement leave) is granted when an employee needs time off due to the death of an immediate family member or a serious family emergency. Employees can apply for it by submitting a leave request along with supporting documents such as a death certificate. Compassionate leave in the UAE, usually covers cases involving parents, children, siblings, or spouses. Some companies may extend it to grandparents or close relatives depending on their internal HR policy.

How does UAE labour law regulate compassionate leave?

Under the UAE Labour Law, employees are entitled to 5 days of compassionate leave in the event of the death of an immediate family member. The law clearly defines the duration of leave depending on the family relationship. Employers must comply with this entitlement, and employees cannot be penalised for availing compassionate leave. However, the law leaves room for employers to offer additional days as part of their company policies.

What documents are usually required to apply for compassionate leave?

Employees are usually asked to submit official documents to validate their compassionate leave request. These may include:

• A copy of the death certificate.
• Relationship proof (passport copies, birth or marriage certificates).
• Travel documents if the deceased resides outside the UAE.

The HR department may also request original documents for verification before approving the leave.

How does compassionate leave differ from other types of leave?

Compassionate leave is specifically related to family emergencies and bereavement. It differs from:

• Annual leave - which is pre-planned for rest and vacation.
• Sick leave - which is taken due to personal health issues.
• Casual leave - which covers short, unplanned absences.
• Maternity leave / Paternity leave - legally protected leave for childbirth and parental care.
• Accrual leave - leave days earned progressively based on length of service.
• Time in lieu (compensatory leave) - leave granted in exchange for overtime or working on public holidays.

Unlike these, compassionate leave is situational and generally cannot be refused, provided the employee provides valid supporting proof or documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days of compassionate leave are employees entitled to in the UAE?

Employees in the UAE are entitled to paid compassionate (bereavement) leave under the UAE Labour Law, based on their relationship with the deceased. An employee may receive five days for the death of a spouse, and three days for the death of a parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild. This leave is paid, and employers are generally required to grant it once valid documentation, such as a death certificate and proof of relationship, is provided. Company-specific policies may vary, so it’s advisable to check your employment contract or consult HR.

Can compassionate leave be extended beyond the standard entitlement?

Yes, employees can request additional leave beyond the standard compassionate leave. However, this is typically treated as unpaid leave unless the employer’s policy allows otherwise. Many companies in the UAE are flexible and grant extra time off, especially if travel abroad is necessary for funerals or family obligations.

Is compassionate leave applicable for relatives outside immediate family?

By law, compassionate leave applies to immediate family members only. However, some employers extend it to cover grandparents or even close extended family members as part of internal HR policies. Employees should review their employment contract or company handbook to see if their workplace provides broader coverage.

Do expatriates in the UAE get compassionate leave for overseas family deaths?

Yes, expatriates are entitled to compassionate leave even if their family member passes away outside the UAE. In such cases, the employer may require additional documents such as travel tickets or embassy-attested death certificates. Many organisations also provide flexibility to accommodate international travel time.