Can a UAE employer deduct an employee’s salary for absence caused by heavy rains or flooding, and what if the employee couldn’t work due to circumstances beyond their control?

Under UAE labour law, if an employee is unable to report to work due to extraordinary circumstances like heavy rains, flooding, or official weather warnings, employers are generally expected to act reasonably and cannot automatically deduct salary—especially where the situation amounts to force majeure or is beyond the employee’s control. The law allows measures such as remote work or paid leave during emergencies, and even recognises weather-related delays as part of working hours. Where operations are disrupted due to factors beyond the employer’s control, the employer must inform employees and still guarantee salary payment. Therefore, if an employee genuinely could not travel due to flooding or unsafe conditions and informed the employer with evidence, salary deductions should not be made. If deductions are imposed, the employee can raise a complaint with MoHRE. What do you think—should employers be more flexible during extreme weather, and how was your workplace affected by the recent rains?

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