The ongoing tensions in West Asia are beginning to impact everyday lives, especially for Indian expatriates working in the Gulf. Thousands of workers, particularly those employed in the United Arab Emirates, are currently stranded in India due to flight cancellations and airspace restrictions. This has triggered widespread concern about job security, salary payments, and employer actions during such uncertain times.
If you are among those unable to return to your workplace in the UAE, here’s a clear explanation of your rights, possible risks, and what the law says.
The conflict in parts of West Asia has disrupted international travel, leading to multiple flight cancellations. As a result, many Indian workers who had traveled home temporarily are now unable to return to their jobs in the UAE.
With over 6.8 million Indians living and working in the UAE, this situation has created anxiety among employees who fear losing their jobs or facing salary cuts.
Under UAE labour laws, salary is generally paid in exchange for work performed. This means if an employee is not working and does not have approved leave, employers are not strictly obligated to pay wages.
However, the current situation is not normal. Absence due to war, government restrictions, or flight suspensions is considered beyond the employee’s control. In such cases, it may be treated as involuntary absence, not misconduct.
Employers are expected to consider these extraordinary circumstances before taking strict action.
In normal cases, prolonged absence without notice can lead to disciplinary action, including termination. However, if your absence is due to unavoidable reasons such as travel bans or flight disruptions, immediate termination may not be legally justified.
That said, communication is critical. If an employee fails to inform the employer about their situation, the absence may be treated as unauthorized.
Reports suggest that being absent without notice for more than seven consecutive days could increase the risk of job loss. Therefore, keeping your employer informed is essential to protect your position.
There is no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to salary during such disruptions. It depends on several factors:
If your job allows remote work and your employer agrees, your salary is likely to continue without interruption. Many companies are offering work-from-home arrangements in such cases.
If your role requires physical presence, employers may offer options such as:
Paid leave
Unpaid leave
Adjusted work arrangements
In such situations, salary payments may be paused or modified, depending on mutual agreement between employee and employer.
This is the most risky scenario. If you remain absent without notifying your company:
Your salary may be withheld
Your absence could be marked as unauthorized
You may face disciplinary action, including termination
To safeguard your job and avoid complications, follow these steps:
Inform your employer immediately about your situation
Share proof of flight cancellations or travel restrictions
Stay in regular contact with your HR department
Explore remote work options if possible
Discuss leave arrangements in advance
Proper communication can significantly reduce the risk of job loss or salary issues.
UAE labour laws do not have a single, clear provision for situations like war-related travel disruptions. Instead, decisions are usually based on:
The terms of your employment contract
Company policies
Mutual understanding between employer and employee
This makes each case unique, and outcomes may vary from one organization to another.
While the current crisis has created uncertainty for many Indian workers in the UAE, losing your job is not inevitable. If your absence is genuinely beyond your control and you maintain clear communication with your employer, you are more likely to retain your position.
Understanding your rights, staying proactive, and maintaining transparency with your company are the best ways to navigate this challenging situation.
