Coronavirus: Going on an early leave? Here is all you need to know

MOHRE issued guidelines for employees going to home countries amid COVID-19 restrictions 1 of 18 Have you been asked to go on an unpaid leave as your employer deals with the impact of COVID-19? Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has issued guidelines for employers on how they can do so.Image Credit: Gulf News 2 of 18 The Ministry issued a decree in March providing employers with a progressive guideline to follow in case they have been affected by the preventive measures due to the novel Coronavirus.Image Credit: Gulf News 3 of 18 Read details on the Ministerial Decree no. 279 of 2020 here: https://gulfnews.com/1.1585578422824Image Credit: Gulf News 4 of 18 Picture used for illustrative purposes only.Image Credit: Gulf News 5 of 18 Picture used for illustrative purposes only.Image Credit: Stock image 6 of 18 Picture used for illustrative purposes only.Image Credit: Stock image 7 of 18 The Ministry also issued Procedures For Enabling Foreign Labour To Leave The Country And Return Home (Early Leave)Image Credit: Gulf News 8 of 18 This was to extend humanitarian support to workers who wished to return to their home countries.Image Credit: Gulf News 9 of 18 Picture used for illustrative purposes only.Image Credit: Gulf News 10 of 18 What is the process employers need to follow if they send an employee on unpaid leave?Image Credit: Gulf News 11 of 18 A form needs to be signed with details on the duration of the leave.Image Credit: Gulf News 12 of 18 The employer needs to book a return air ticket.Image Credit: Gulf News 13 of 18 It is important to note that the contract between the employee and employer remains valid.Image Credit: Gulf News 14 of 18 Picture used for illustrative purposes only.Image Credit: Gulf News 15 of 18 Residence visa will be automatically extended in case of expiration.Image Credit: Gulf News 16 of 18 Picture used for illustrative purposes only.Image Credit: Gulf News 17 of 18 If you are on leave outside the country, you can email the National call centre on ask_us@171.aeImage Credit: Gulf News 18 of 18 Workers within the UAE can contact MOHRE on 800 60.