New UAE Legislation Prohibits Firing Workers Due To Mental Health Issues

A new law just approved prohibits employers in the UAE from discriminating against, firing, or limiting employment chances for residents based solely on their mental health status. “Rather, a report from a specialized medical committee that assesses the individual’s condition about their job must serve as the foundation for any decision regarding employment,” said Dr Hind Alrustamani, Aman Lil Afia’s founder and CEO

This is comparable to the prohibition on hiring or discharging employees based solely on their physical condition. Employees are entitled to 90 days of paid and unpaid sick leave; they won’t be fired unless they can’t report to work afterward.

This month, the United Arab Emirates passed a federal mental health law that, among other things, protects patients’ unrestricted ability to continue working. This part of the law encourages people to put their mental health first without worrying about losing their careers.

According to the expert, this means a lot on the ground for mental health caregivers. It creates a setting where people can ask for assistance without worrying about the consequences at work. It’s a start in the right direction, acknowledging that mental health issues shouldn’t stand in the way of someone’s career advancement, according to Dr. Alrustamani.