05-05-2025
Sultan approves new leave called the care leave at Sharjah Government
Jihan Shuaib, Staff Reporter
His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has approved a new leave in the Government of Sharjah called care leave.
The leave will be granted to female employees who have given birth to a sick or disabled child whose health condition requires a constant companion. It will begin after the end of the maternity leave and may be extended for no more than three years, subject to the approval of the competent authority.
This was announced by Abdullah Al Zaabi, Chairman of Sharjah Department of Human Resources, during a conversation with Mohammed Khalaf, Director General of Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, on the Direct Line programme.
Al Zaabi stated that the conditions and regulations for the care leave include submitting a medical report approved by the competent medical authority.
The leave is valid for one year and is fully paid, commencing immediately after maternity leave, he said, adding that it might be extended for up to three years, provided that the extension is annual, based on a medical report approved by the competent authority.
When the health condition improves, the competent authority will stop the care leave and the employee's performance will be assessed in accordance with the performance management system, he said.
If the leave has to extended beyond three years, the government entity must present the issue to the Higher Committee for Human Resources, to decide what it deems appropriate, he added.
The care leave is counted as part of the employee's service and the decree will take effect immediately, he said.
