Thousands of UAE residents have been unexpectedly stranded outside the country due to flight disruptions, airspace closures and regional instability amid the recent Iran vs US-Israel war. For many workers 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 labor law, workers who are unable to return due to circumstances beyond their control, such as travel restrictions or conflict-related disruptions, may still have some protection. However, the situation depends on many 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 across the Gulf.
Why are many UAE employees stranded abroad amid Iran vs US-Israel war?
The issue gained attention after travel disruptions in the Middle East forced many residents to stay abroad longer than expected. Flight cancellations, airspace closures and security concerns have prevented some workers 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 severe uncertainty. Many are concerned about whether their absence could affect their pay, remaining leave or even their employment status.
UAE workers stranded abroad: Your rights and wages amid regional conflict
Legal analysts say such scenarios are not entirely new. Similar questions were raised during the COVID-19 pandemic, when border closures left many UAE residents unable to return to the country for months, but although every case is unique, UAE labor law provides a framework for how employers and employees should handle such disruptions.
Is your absence considered valid in UAE due to Iran vs US-Israel war?
The main issue under UAE labor law is whether the employee’s absence from work will be justified. Experts say if an employee 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 considered legitimate. In such cases, employers are expected to make a proper assessment of the situation rather than automatically treating the absence as misconduct.Legal experts emphasize that employers should verify the circumstances before taking disciplinary action. However, the employee is still responsible for maintaining communication with their employer and providing evidence such as canceled flight bookings or official travel advisories when requested. Failure to communicate with the employer can complicate the situation.
Amidst the holiday due to Iran vs US-Israel war, what will happen to your salary in UAE?
Salary is one of the biggest concerns for workers stranded outside the UAE. Under the law, whether employees continue to receive their pay depends largely on whether they are able to work remotely or whether their absence counts as leave. If an employee continues to work 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 his or her duties remotely, several other possibilities may apply:
- Annual Paid 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’s service.
- leave without pay – If the leave balance has been exhausted, the employer and employee may mutually agree on unpaid leave until travel is possible.
- Remote work arrangement – Some companies allow employees to work from abroad temporarily, especially for roles that can be done online.
The final decision often depends on the company’s internal policies and operational requirements.
Can UAE employers fire a stranded employee?
Another major concern is whether an employer can fire an employee who is unable to return to the UAE. According to legal experts, dismissal is not automatic in such cases. Under UAE labor law, dismissal without notice is generally permitted only in specific circumstances, such as serious misconduct or prolonged absence without a valid reason.
UAE workers stranded due to Iran-US-Israel war: Are employers taking advantage of the crisis?
If an employee is stranded due to unexpected circumstances such as war, airspace closure or government restrictions, the absence may be considered justified. In such situations, dismissing the employee can potentially be challenged as arbitrary dismissal, especially if the employee has been clearly informed of the situation and has attempted to return.However, if an employee fails to return without a valid excuse for more than seven consecutive days, the employer may have a legal right to terminate the contract after carrying out a formal investigation. This is why maintaining documentation and communication is important.
Role of remote work for UAE employers 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 allowed employees to temporarily continue their work from abroad until they can return.Legal experts say remote work arrangements are allowed if both the employer and employee agree. However, there are several factors that companies should consider:
- Data Security and Privacy
- Work permit and tax rules at the employee’s temporary location
- nature of employee’s work
- time zone difference
For office-based roles like technology, marketing, finance, and consulting, remote work may be possible. But workers in sectors such as hospitality, construction, retail or healthcare may find it more difficult to continue working from abroad.
Employer’s responsibilities under UAE labor law
While employers face operational challenges during the crisis, they still have to comply with certain obligations as per UAE labor law. These include:
- honoring employment contracts
- pay wages for work done
- Flexible arrangements are being considered where possible
- avoid arbitrary termination
Experts emphasize that labor laws are designed to balance the interests of both the employer and the employee, especially during unexpected disruptions. Companies are encouraged to work closely with employees to find practical solutions rather than immediately resorting to disciplinary measures.
What should UAE workers do if they are caught between Iran vs US-Israel war
Legal experts recommend several steps for employees who are unable to return to the UAE:
- Notify your employer immediately – Contact your employer as soon as you realize you can’t return to work.
- Provide documentation – Share evidence like canceled flights, travel advisories or visa restrictions.
- Discuss work options – Ask if 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 a dispute arises later. The issue of workers stranded abroad reflects broader changes in the modern workplace. Global mobility, remote work technology, and geopolitical events are increasingly shaping employment relationships in ways for which traditional labor systems were not originally designed.The UAE has been updating its labor regulations in recent years to make the workforce more flexible and flexible. Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 introduced new rules governing employment contracts, leave, termination procedures and employee protections. The goal of these reforms is to create a balanced labor market that supports both businesses and employees.As travel disruptions continue to impact some residents, labor experts expect more companies to adopt temporary remote work policies or flexible leave arrangements. Officials may also issue additional guidance if large numbers of workers remain stranded abroad for extended periods of time. For now, the main message from legal experts is clear: communication and collaboration between employers and employees is essential.While unexpected travel disruptions can create uncertainty, UAE labor law provides mechanisms to ensure that workers are treated fairly while businesses maintain operational stability.