Bereavement leave

What Is Bereavement Leave?

Bereavement leave is a type of time off given to an employee when a close family member passes away. It allows employees space to grieve, attend the funeral, and manage family affairs without worrying about work obligations. 

Also known as compassionate leave in some regions, bereavement leave is an important part of any employee benefits policy.

It reflects an organization’s empathy and care during difficult times. Offering this time off shows respect for employees’ emotional well-being and builds trust within the workplace.

Is Bereavement Leave Mandatory in the UAE?

Yes. Under the UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021), employees are legally entitled to bereavement leave.

The law mandates that:

An employee of the private sector is entitled to:

• 5 days of paid bereavement leave on the death of a spouse.
• 3 days of paid bereavement leave on the death of a parent, child, sibling, grandchild, or grandparent.

Employers must grant this leave upon request, and employees are not required to use their annual leave for this purpose. It’s considered a standalone entitlement that employers must comply with.

When Can an Employee Use Bereavement Leave?

Employees can use bereavement leave immediately following the death of an eligible family member, or shortly thereafter depending on the nature of the situation (e.g., funeral date, travel arrangements, or family responsibilities).

While some employees may need time right away, others may request to use bereavement leave at a later point to align with memorial services or family obligations. Flexibility and empathy from employers are key here.

Who Is Entitled to Bereavement Leave in the UAE?

All employees working under the UAE Labour Law whether UAE nationals or expatriates are entitled to bereavement leave.

The entitlement applies regardless of:

• The size of the company
• The employee’s position or job grade
• Their length of service (even newly hired employees qualify)

What matters is that the employee is officially employed under a valid UAE work contract.

Is Bereavement Leave Paid in the UAE?

Yes, bereavement leave is fully paid. The UAE Labour Law states that the employee must receive their full salary for the days they take off due to the loss of a family member. This applies to both public and private sector employees.

The pay includes:

• Basic salary
• Any fixed allowances normally paid during working days

It ensures that the employee doesn’t experience financial stress during an already difficult period.

How Long Is Bereavement Leave in the UAE?

• 5 working days for the death of a spouse
• 3 working days for the death of a parent, child, sibling, grandchild, or grandparent

These are calendar working days, not including weekends or public holidays. Some progressive companies offer more generous bereavement time or additional flexibility depending on the employee’s circumstances and emotional needs.

What Is a Bereavement Leave Policy and What Should It Include?

A bereavement leave policy outlines the rules and expectations around taking time off after the loss of a loved one. It provides structure and consistency, ensuring fair treatment of all employees. Here’s what a good bereavement leave policy should include:

• Who qualifies for bereavement leave
• The number of days off provided
• Which family members are considered immediate family
• Whether the leave is paid or unpaid (in the UAE, it must be paid)
• The process for applying or notifying HR
• The possibility of additional unpaid or compassionate leave upon request
• Any documentation required (e.g., death certificate or proof of relation)

Clear policies help avoid confusion and ensure that both managers and employees know what to expect during difficult times.

How to Ask for Bereavement Leave

Asking for bereavement leave can be difficult, especially during an emotional time. Employers should provide a supportive and understanding environment that makes it easy to request time off. Here are a few respectful ways to do it:

1. Notify your manager or HR as soon as possible – A short, sincere message stating your relationship to the deceased and the expected dates of leave is enough.
2. Submit any required documentation – Some employers may ask for proof of death, such as a death certificate, obituary notice, or family ID documents.
3. Communicate your return date – Even if tentative, let your employer know when you expect to return. This helps teams manage workloads in your absence.

Sample Message:

Bereavement Leave vs. Compassionate Leave: What’s the Difference?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there’s a difference:

• Bereavement leave is specifically for time off following the death of a close family member.
• Compassionate leave is broader and may include time off for other serious situations such as a family member's critical illness, a major accident, or personal trauma.

In the UAE, only bereavement leave is mandated by law. Compassionate leave is discretionary and may vary by company or situation. Employers who go beyond legal minimums by offering compassionate leave build stronger, more loyal teams.

Why Bereavement Policies Matter

Grief can deeply impact an employee’s emotional state, performance, and mental health. Having a formal bereavement leave policy:

• Promotes empathy and emotional intelligence in leadership
• Ensures fairness and consistency in how employees are treated
• Improves morale and job satisfaction
• Prevents burnout by allowing time to heal before returning to work

Forward-thinking companies understand that caring for employees during life’s hardest moments is good for both people and business.

Final Thoughts

Bereavement leave is a necessary form of support that helps employees navigate loss. In the UAE, it’s both a legal right and an opportunity for employers to show empathy.

Having a clear bereavement leave policy ensures that all team members are treated fairly and with dignity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is bereavement leave?

Bereavement leave is paid time off granted to employees after the death of a close family member. It allows time to grieve, attend the funeral, and handle personal matters.

How long is bereavement leave in the UAE?

Employees receive 5 paid days for the death of a spouse and 3 paid days for the death of a parent, child, sibling, grandchild, or grandparent.

Is bereavement leave paid in the UAE?

Yes, it is fully paid by law under the UAE Labour Law.

Who qualifies for bereavement leave in the UAE?

Any employee working under an official UAE employment contract, including both nationals and expatriates.

Do I need to provide documentation?

Some employers may request proof such as a death certificate, obituary, or other official confirmation.

What’s the difference between bereavement leave and compassionate leave?

Bereavement leave is specific to the death of a family member. Compassionate leave may cover other personal crises, such as a serious illness or emergency.

Can companies offer more than the legal requirement?

Yes. While the law sets the minimum, companies can offer additional days or flexibility as part of their employee benefits package.