Employees are frequently encouraged to take time off for personal and religious commitments in the UAE. This may include the sacred pilgrimage of Umrah. Though it’s not a mandatory leave like Hajj. Most employees embark on this spiritual journey to perform Umrah.
However, getting leave for Umrah requires careful planning and understanding of the country’s leave policies. This guide provides an overview of how you can request Umrah leave in the UAE, ensuring a smooth process while maintaining professionalism.
What is Umrah Leave?
Muslims can perform Umrah any time of the year as a pilgrimage to Mecca. Unlike Hajj which has fixed dates. Umrah is not compulsory for Muslims. But it holds great religious significance. On the other hand, UAE labor law offers specific leave entitlements for Hajj. However, there is no Umrah leave in UAE labor law that grants leave for Umrah. The Umrah leaves are treated as personal leave. Workers can avail of unpaid leave unless specified by the employer.
Important Considerations About Umrah Leave in the UAE
Here’s a breakdown of key points related to Umrah leave in UAE for private sector
- No Legal Entitlement for Paid Leave:
In Hajj, employees are granted a specific leave duration under UAE law. However, there is no official entitlement for paid leave for Umrah. Employers are not provided with time off for Umrah unless they choose to do so.
- Unpaid or Annual Leave:
Employees planning for Umrah can either use their annual paid leave or request unpaid leave. The leave duration will depend on the employer’s approval and the company’s leave policies.
- Requesting Time Off in Advance:
Just like any other leave type, request leave for Umrah well in advance. The employer’s approval is necessary if your absence could impact workplace operations.
- Employer’s Discretion:
The law does not mandate Umrah leave. Still, many employers in the UAE are accommodating. They may grant leave if it doesn’t disrupt business operations. Review your company’s internal policies regarding religious leave before stepping forward.
Steps to Apply for Umrah Leave
The entire Umrah leave process is straightforward. Follow the proper procedure to ensure your request is considered and approved. A step-by-step guide to applying for Umrah leave is as follows:
Step 1: Review Your Leave Entitlements
Familiarize yourself with your company’s leave policy before making a leave request. This includes checking the number of annual leave days available. Also, it may contain any guidelines your employer may have about taking extended leaves for personal reasons like Umrah.
Step 2: Plan Your Trip
If you’re planning to travel to Umrah, determine the dates. Allow ample time for travel, rest, and any additional commitments. Be sure to accurately calculate the number of leave days you’ll need.
Step 3: Inform Your Employer in Advance
Inform your employer well in advance. It’s an essential step do not miss it ideally a few weeks to months before your trip. This gives them a chance to plan beforehand for your absence. They can make arrangements in your absence. As a result, it ensures your request doesn’t cause disruption to the workplace.
Step 4: Submit Your Leave Application
Prepare a formal leave request with the following information:
- The dates you plan to be away
- The reason for the leave (in this case, Umrah)
- Any arrangements you’ve made to ensure your work is covered in your absence
- A commitment to making the transition as smooth as possible
Step 5: Communicate Any Responsibilities
You can offer to delegate any ongoing tasks or responsibilities to colleagues while you’re away. This proactive approach shows your commitment to the company’s success during your absence.
Step 6: Follow Company Procedures
Ensure that you follow all necessary company procedures. This may include:
- Submitting a leave request form or
- Going through an internal approval process.
If your employer requests any documentation make sure to provide it. These can be anything like proof of your travel dates or itinerary.
Step 7: Await Approval
Await your employer’s decision once your leave request has been submitted. On leave approval, confirm the final dates and any additional procedures before you leave.
Sample Leave Request Email for Umrah
Here’s a template you can use to request leave for your Umrah trip:
Subject: Leave Request for Umrah Pilgrimage
Dear [Supervisor’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to formally request time off from work. This is because I am willing to perform Umrah. The traveling date starts from [start date] to [end date]. I would like to request leave for the aforementioned period.
I have checked my remaining annual leave balance. Now, I would like to utilize [number of days] for this purpose. If required, I will take the remaining days as unpaid leave.
Moreover, I have made arrangements to ensure my responsibilities. All are properly covered during my absence. I will provide the necessary instructions to my team members for a smooth transition. Without any delay, all tasks will be delivered at the desired time. To connect with me instantly, reach me by email at [your email address] for any urgent matters while I am away.
Please let me know if you need further details to facilitate this request. I truly appreciate your consideration and support for this personal and religious journey.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Employee ID]
[Your Contact Information]
Key Takeaways
- Umrah is not legally entitled to paid leave, unlike Hajj, which has specific provisions in the UAE labor law.
- You can request unpaid leave or use your annual leave days for Umrah, depending on your employer’s policies.
- Apply in advance if your absence may impact your department or team.
- Write a respectful leave request. A professional leave request will increase the likelihood of approval from your employer.
- Delegating tasks and ensuring a smooth workflow when you’re away. It greatly demonstrates responsibility to your organization.
Frequently Asked Questions About Umrah Leave in the UAE
Can I take paid leave for Umrah?
Umrah leaves in UAE is not legally entitled to paid leave. You will need to use your annual leave or request unpaid leave.
How early should I request Umrah leave?
Apply for leave at least a few weeks in advance. This in turn gives your employer enough time to plan for your absence.
Can I take leave for Hajj and Umrah during my job?
You can take leave for both Hajj and Umrah. However, Hajj leave is specifically outlined in the law as unpaid. On the other hand, Umrah leaves must be arranged through annual or unpaid leave. It primarily depends on your employer’s policies.
How can I ensure my absence does not disrupt work?
Plan ahead, delegate tasks, and offer to be reachable for urgent matters while away. Make sure to complete any critical tasks before leaving.
Ensure a smooth and hassle-free process by following these steps. Prepare ahead before obtaining leave to perform Umrah in the UAE.
