Falling sick is one of the potential possibilities. Since everyone faces this risk, what would be the situation for people working in Qatar? What are the important terms and conditions for sick leaves? Does this type of leave affect your payment? All the answers will be highlighted here, so keep reading.

What is a Sick Leave? 

When employees fall sick and become unable to pursue the tasks, they apply for a sick leave. Sick leave is a request to get a break from work for recovery purposes. Employees can claim this period through a written sick leave letter or online through sending an email. If you are more concerned about the rules for obtaining paid sick leaves, sign up to Fratres and get more hints about employment in your favorite place.

What Does the Labor Law Say about Sick Leaves?

The employment system is regulated under the Qatar Labor Law. Qatar Labor Law indicates that the worker has the right to get a paid sick leave each year of service regarding sick leaves. This leave is not granted until passing three months of work from the first date of joining employees. There are also rules meeting the necessity of leaving work for illness:

-Medical certificate: an employee requesting a sick leave should bring a medical certificate involving the necessity to take a break. According to this document, employers will consent to the request.

-Period of the leave: the recovery period plays a salient role in determining whether your break will be paid or not. According to the labor law, workers can receive full payments if the recovery period does not exceed two weeks. If it is extended, half of the wages will be granted for just another four weeks. In case of overpassing one month of sickness leave, any extension will be without payment.

-Career break decision: an overextended leave can be considered as a career break. An employee might risk his/ her previous position. The comeback might require a new application:

-Claiming Pre-retirement: 

Employees with over-extended sick leave can resign and claim end service benefits for health reasons. The leave pay will be calculated and extracted from the final capital. Take a look at; Retirement and Pension in Qatar

-Requesting a sick leave after maternity/ paternity leave:

There is no other restriction that suspends the employee's right to obtain a sick leave, even if this illness coincides with any type of a previous leave approved by the employer.

It is essential to state that the rights mentioned in the Qatari Labor Law represent the minimum rights for workers and employees. Any violation of these regulations can lead to legal issues. 

How Long is a Sick Leave Cycle?

Sick leaves are paid provided that they do not exceed a specific period defined in the contract. Since many applicants suffer from health limitations, they can be worried about leaves and break requests. When does a sick leave lead to termination? In some cases, employers may terminate the worker’s service at the end of the twelfth week of sick leave. Three months of sickness leave may lead to termination, in case of:

• Having a report issued by the competent doctor that the worker has become unable to resume work due to psychiatric issues, such as trauma, amnesia, excessive temper, and mental disorders.
• Having post-recovery complications, for example, side effects preventing from average work, falling into a coma, etc. 

Keep in mind that termination is possible, as employers are not responsible for the employee’s health deterioration. You may also read; How to Build a Successful Career in Qatar?

But, if an employee resigns from work with the testimony of a competent doctor before the end of the six weeks, the employee, in this case, is entitled to a paid sick leave. Employers must pay the remaining amount of these leaves. This also applies to an employee’s death during a sick leave before the end of the mentioned six weeks. The final provisions include the promotional rewards that an employee is supposed to get inconsistent work. As you can see, an employee obtaining a sick leave for twelve weeks is not excluded from tips and salary rises.

What is the Rule of Sick leaves for Expatriates?

Each professional sector is specific in Qatar. Despite these differences, there are certain obligations towards expatriates. Take a look at; How to Find Jobs in Qatar (Expat Guide)?

In case of professional accidents and injuries, sponsors and employers should reimburse for the recovery costs.

-Employers determine the date of the worker’s annual leave according to the work requirements. They can also split the paid leave with the employee’s approval, provided that the split does not exceed two periods.

-Under a written request from the expatriate, Employers can postpone half of the annual leave period to the next year following the year of its entitlement. 

-The worker has the right to obtain a cash allowance equivalent to his wages for the leave days due to him if the work contract is terminated for any reason before obtaining it.

-The worker has the right to a paid sick leave for each year of active service. 

To sum up, here is how leaves are calculated in Qatar. A sick leave is granted after passing three months from the date of his first joining the work. The conditions of consent require a medical/ a doctor's certificate. In general, paid sick leaves should not exceed two weeks. If it extends for another four weeks, the payment will be reduced to half. Any other extensions are deprivation from payment, until coming back to work, resignation, or demanding pre-retirement.