Thousands of residents across the United Arab Emirates have recently found themselves unexpectedly stranded outside the country due to flight disruptions, airspace closures and regional instability amid Iran vs US-Israel war. For many employees working in the UAE, the sudden inability to return to work has raised urgent questions: Will salaries continue? Can employers terminate contracts? Is remote work allowed?
Legal experts say that under UAE labour law, employees who are unable to return because of circumstances beyond their control, such as travel restrictions or conflict-related disruptions, may still have certain protections. However, the situation depends on several factors, including employment contracts, company policies, and communication between employers and workers.
Understanding how the law applies in such cases is becoming increasingly important as regional events continue to affect travel and work arrangements across the Gulf.
Why many UAE workers are stranded abroad amid Iran vs US-Israel war
The issue gained attention after travel disruptions across the Middle East forced many residents to remain overseas longer than expected. Flight cancellations, airspace closures and safety concerns have prevented some employees from returning to their workplaces in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other emirates.
For expatriate workers, who make up the majority of the UAE workforce, being stranded abroad can create serious uncertainty. Many worry about whether their absence could affect their salary, leave balance or even their employment status.
UAE Workers Stranded Abroad: Your Rights and Salary Amidst Regional Conflict
Legal analysts note that such scenarios are not entirely new. Similar questions arose during the Covid-19 pandemic, when border closures left many UAE residents unable to return to the country for months but while every case is unique, UAE labour law provides a framework for how employers and employees should handle such disruptions.
Is your absence due to Iran vs US-Israel war considered legal in the UAE?
The key issue under UAE labour law is whether the employee’s absence from work is considered justified. Experts say that if a worker is unable to return to the UAE due to external circumstances such as government travel restrictions, flight suspensions, or security concerns, the absence may be treated as legitimate. In such cases, employers are expected to assess the situation reasonably rather than automatically treating the absence as misconduct.
Legal specialists emphasise that employers should verify the circumstances before taking disciplinary action. However, the employee is still responsible for maintaining communication with their employer and providing proof, such as cancelled flight bookings or official travel advisories, if requested. Failure to communicate with the employer could complicate the situation.
What happens to your salary in the UAE, amid leave due to Iran vs US-Israel war?
Salary is one of the biggest concerns for employees stranded outside the UAE. Under the law, whether workers continue receiving their salary depends largely on whether they are able to work remotely or whether their absence is counted as leave. If an employee continues working remotely with the employer’s approval, they are generally entitled to their full salary as per the employment contract.
However, if the employee cannot perform their duties remotely, several other possibilities may apply:
- Paid Annual Leave - The employer may choose to deduct the absence from the employee’s annual leave balance, which is typically 30 days per year for workers who have completed one year of service.
- Unpaid Leave - If the leave balance is exhausted, the employer and employee may mutually agree on unpaid leave until travel becomes possible.
- Remote Work Arrangements - Some companies allow employees to work from abroad temporarily, especially for roles that can be performed online.
The final decision often depends on the company’s internal policies and operational needs.
Can UAE employers terminate a stranded employee?
Another major concern is whether an employer can terminate an employee who is unable to return to the UAE. According to legal experts, termination in such cases is not automatic. Under UAE labour law, termination without notice is typically allowed only in specific circumstances, such as serious misconduct or prolonged absence without a valid reason.
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If an employee is stranded due to force-majeure circumstances, such as war, airspace closures or government restrictions, the absence may be considered justified. In such situations, terminating the employee could potentially be challenged as arbitrary dismissal, especially if the worker has clearly communicated the situation and attempted to return.
However, if an employee fails to return for more than seven consecutive days without a valid excuse, the employer may have the legal right to terminate the contract after conducting a formal investigation. This is why maintaining documentation and communication is crucial.
The role of remote work for UAE employer amid Iran vs US-Israel war
Remote work has become one of the most common solutions for employees stranded abroad. During recent travel disruptions, many companies in the UAE have temporarily allowed staff to continue their work from overseas until they can return.
Legal experts say remote work arrangements are permitted if both the employer and employee agree. However, there are several factors companies must consider:
- Data security and confidentiality
- Work permits and tax rules in the employee’s temporary location
- The nature of the employee’s job
- Time zone differences
For office-based roles such as technology, marketing, finance and consulting, remote work may be feasible. But employees working in sectors like hospitality, construction, retail, or healthcare may find it more difficult to continue working from abroad.
Employer responsibilities under UAE Labour Law
While employers have operational challenges during crises, UAE labour law still requires them to follow certain obligations. These include:
- Respecting employment contracts
- Paying salaries for work performed
- Considering flexible arrangements where possible
- Avoiding arbitrary termination
Experts emphasise that labour laws are designed to balance the interests of both employers and employees, particularly during unexpected disruptions. Companies are encouraged to work collaboratively with staff to find practical solutions rather than immediately resorting to disciplinary measures.
What UAE employees should do if they are stranded amid Iran vs US-Israel war
Legal specialists recommend several steps for employees who find themselves unable to return to the UAE:
- Inform Your Employer Immediately - Contact your employer as soon as you realize you cannot return to work.
- Provide Documentation - Share evidence such as cancelled flights, travel advisories or visa restrictions.
- Discuss Work Options - Ask whether remote work or temporary leave arrangements are possible.
- Keep Written Records - Maintain emails and messages that confirm your communication with the employer.
These steps can help protect employees if any disputes arise later. The issue of employees stranded abroad reflects a broader shift in the modern workplace. Global mobility, remote work technology and geopolitical events are increasingly shaping employment relationships in ways that traditional labour systems were not originally designed for.
The UAE has been updating its labour regulations in recent years to make the workforce more flexible and resilient. The Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 introduced new rules governing employment contracts, leave, termination procedures and worker protections. These reforms aim to create a balanced labour market that supports both businesses and employees.
As travel disruptions continue to affect some residents, labour experts expect more companies to adopt temporary remote work policies or flexible leave arrangements. Authorities may also issue additional guidance if large numbers of employees remain stranded abroad for extended periods. For now, the key message from legal specialists is clear: communication and cooperation between employers and employees are essential.
While unexpected travel disruptions can create uncertainty, UAE labour law provides mechanisms to ensure that workers are treated fairly while businesses maintain operational stability.
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