The government of Sharjah has rolled out a new type of leave for female employees—called care leave—designed to support mothers whose newborns are sick or have disabilities requiring continuous care.
Announced by Abdullah Ibrahim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Sharjah Human Resources Department, during a radio interview on the Direct Line, the new leave allows mothers to take extended time off following their standard maternity leave. This initiative is part of a directive by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, aimed at easing the burden for working mothers in critical family situations.
The care leave can be renewed annually for up to three years, provided it is supported by an approved medical report from a recognized health authority. If the child’s condition improves, the leave may be terminated based on medical recommendations, with the mother returning to work under an official permit.
In exceptional cases where more time off is needed beyond the three-year limit, the matter will be elevated to Sharjah’s Higher Committee for Human Resources for final evaluation.
The leave period will still count toward the employee’s service record, and performance assessments during this time will adhere to the government’s existing evaluation framework.