For many Indian expatriates in the UAE, financial debt is a cause of both worry and humiliation. 700 indians have committed suicide in the UAE over the last 6 years. Official records for the reasons behind these suicides are hard to come by and many of them are generally attributed to depression, homesickness and financial debt. Cases highlighted in the media have quoted family members and friends suspecting financial debt to be the trigger behind the acts.
In this three part series we talk to social workers and psychologists to delve deep into the reasons why financial debt is a recurring theme among Indian expats and hear from one man who attempted to end his life twice and the reasons that compeled him to do so.
Produced by Deepthi Unnikrishnan.
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Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side
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