Sharjah Ruler approves extended leave for mothers of newborns with medical needs

A new type of leave, called 'care leave', has been approved for female employees in the Sharjah government. The extended leave is for mothers who give birth to a sick or disabled child requiring continuous care. Abdullah Ibrahim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Sharjah Human Resources Department, announced on the Direct Line radio programme.

The leave, which begins after the completion of maternity leave, may be extended annually for up to three years.

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Under the new regulation, the leave is granted based on the submission of a medical report approved by a competent medical authority. It initially runs concurrently with the one-year paid maternity leave and may be extended annually, for up to three years, with official approval and continued medical justification.

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Care leave, effective from May 5, 2025, is part of a directive from Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and the Ruler of Sharjah and is aimed at supporting working mothers facing medical challenges with their newborns.

If the child’s health condition improves, the leave will be suspended by the authorities, and a return-to-work permit will be issued based on medical guidance. In cases where the leave needs to extend beyond three years, the matter must be referred to the Higher Committee for Human Resources for further review and decision.

This leave is counted as part of the employee's service and the employee’s performance evaluation during maternity leave shall be in accordance with the performance management system.

The initiative follows a two-year study conducted by NAMA Women Advancement (NAMA), which included reviewing federal and local regulations and policies. It focused on identifying and addressing the needs of working mothers facing overwhelming caregiving responsibilities due to their children’s medical conditions.

Based on its findings, the study offered a recommendation in collaboration with the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services to introduce leave solutions that strike a balance between professional obligations and family care requirements.

Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of NAMA and the wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, said: “A mother who faces the daily challenge of caring for a sick or disabled child deserves our full support and access to the tools that help her persevere. Without institutional backing, she should not be burdened with choosing between motherhood and her career."