Stranded workers in the UAE: What happens to your job and salary amid regional instability?
Thousands of residents across the UAE recently found themselves unexpectedly stranded outside the country due to flight disruptions, airspace closures and regional instability amid the war between Iran, the US and Israel.
For many employees working in the UAE, the sudden inability to return to work has raised pressing questions: Will salaries continue? Can employers terminate contracts? Is remote work allowed?Legal experts say that under UAE labor law, employees who cannot return due to circumstances beyond their control, such as travel restrictions or conflict-related disruptions, may still enjoy 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 impact travel and work arrangements throughout the Gulf.
Why are so many Emirati workers stranded abroad amid the war between Iran, the US and Israel?
The issue has gained attention after travel disruptions across the Middle East forced many residents to stay abroad 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’s workforce, being stranded abroad can create extreme uncertainty. Many worry about whether their absence might affect their pay, vacation balance, or even their employment status.
UAE workers stranded abroad: Your rights and salaries amid regional conflict
Legal analysts point out that such scenarios are not entirely new.
Similar questions were raised during the Covid-19 pandemic, when border closures meant many UAE residents were unable to return to the country for months, but although each case is unique, the UAE Labor Law provides a framework for how employers and employees deal with such disruptions.
Is your absence due to the war between Iran, the United States and Israel legal in the UAE?
The main issue under the UAE Labor Law is whether an employee’s absence from work is considered justified. 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, experts say.
In such cases, employers are expected to assess the situation reasonably rather than automatically treat the absence as misconduct.Legal specialists stress that employers must verify the circumstances before taking any disciplinary action. However, the employee is still responsible for maintaining communication with the employer and providing evidence, such as canceled flight reservations or official travel warnings, if requested.
Failure to communicate with your employer may complicate the situation.
What happens to your salary in the UAE amid vacation due to the war between Iran, the United States, and Israel?
Salary is one of the biggest concerns for employees stranded outside the UAE. Under the law, whether workers continue to receive pay depends largely on whether they are able to work remotely or whether their absence is considered leave. If an employee continues to work remotely with the employer’s consent, he or she is generally entitled to receive his or her full salary in accordance with the employment contract.However, if an employee cannot perform their duties remotely, several other possibilities may apply:
- Paid annual leave – An employer may choose to deduct the absence from the employee’s annual leave balance, which is usually 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 to unpaid leave until travel is possible.
- Remote working arrangements – Some companies allow employees to work 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 employers in the UAE terminate a stranded employee?
Another major concern is whether an employer can terminate an employee who cannot return to the UAE. According to legal experts, termination in such cases is not automatic. Under the UAE Labor Law, termination of a contract without notice is usually only permitted in specific circumstances, such as gross misconduct or prolonged absence without valid reason.
The war between Iran, the United States and Israel leaves Emirati workers stranded: Are employers taking advantage of the crisis?
If an employee is stranded due to force majeure circumstances, such as war, airspace closure, or government restrictions, the absence may be considered excused. In such cases, it is possible for an employee’s termination to be challenged as unfair dismissal, especially if the worker has clearly reported the situation and tried to return.However, if an employee fails to return for more than seven consecutive days without a legitimate excuse, the employer may have the legal right to terminate the contract after conducting a formal investigation.
That’s why maintaining documentation and communication is so important.
The role of remote work for the Emirati employer amid the war between Iran, the United States, and Israel
Remote work has become one of the most popular solutions for employees stranded abroad. During the recent travel disruptions, many companies in the UAE have temporarily allowed employees to continue their work from abroad until they can return.Legal experts say remote work arrangements are permissible if both employer and employee agree. However, there are several factors that companies should consider:
- Data security and confidentiality
- Work permits and tax rules at the employee’s temporary location
- The nature of the employee’s work
- Time zone differences
For office-based roles such as technology, marketing, finance, and consulting, remote work may be possible.
But employees working in sectors such as hospitality, construction, retail or healthcare may find it more difficult to continue working from abroad.
Employer responsibilities under UAE Labor Law
While employers face operational challenges during crises, the UAE Labor Law still requires them to follow certain obligations. These include:
- Respect employment contracts
- Payment of salaries for work performed
- Consider flexible arrangements where possible
- Avoid unfair termination
Experts stress that labor laws are designed to balance the interests of both employers and employees, especially during unexpected disruptions.
Companies are encouraged to To work collaboratively with employees to find practical solutions instead of immediately resorting to disciplinary measures.
What should UAE employees do if they are stranded amid the war between Iran, the United States and Israel?
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.
- Submitting documents – Share evidence such as canceled flights, travel warnings or visa restrictions.
- Discussing business options – Ask if telecommuting or temporary leave arrangements are possible.
- Maintain written records – Keep emails and letters confirming 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 work relationships in ways that traditional work systems were not originally designed for.The UAE has updated its labor regulations in recent years to make its workforce more flexible and resilient. Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 introduced new rules governing employment contracts, leave, termination procedures, and worker protection.
These reforms aim to create a balanced labor market that supports companies and employees alike.As travel disruptions continue to impact some residents, labor experts expect more companies to adopt temporary remote work policies or flexible leave arrangements. Authorities may also issue additional guidance if a large number of employees remain stranded abroad for extended periods. For now, the basic message from legal professionals is clear: communication and cooperation between employers and employees is essential.While unexpected travel disruptions can create uncertainty, the UAE Labor Law provides mechanisms to ensure workers are treated fairly while companies maintain operational stability.