ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority (SSA) has announced the details of the Maternity Leave Support for Women in Private Sector Initiative, implemented as part of the recently launched Emirati Family Growth Support Programme by the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi (DCD).
The initiative aims to increase the duration of paid maternity leave for Emirati mothers working in the private sector to 90 days, allowing Emirati mothers who work in the private sector to apply for a financial support complementary to their salary during their paid maternity leave of up to 90 days, after obtaining the approval of their private-sector employer.
The Social Security Authority provides maternity leave support for up to 90 days, which serves as supplementary support for the mother’s salary. The practice comes in line with the practices followed in the public sector, underscoring SSA’s continued efforts to enhance the growth and cohesion of the Emirati family. The initiative aims to enable mothers working in the private sector to balance work responsibilities and caring for their newborn.
Dr. Bushra Al Mulla, Director General of SSA, said: “The initiative to support maternity leave for women in the private sector demonstrates the Abu Dhabi government’s commitment to fostering a nurturing environment for newborns. This effort promotes social and family cohesion, ensuring that infants receive the care and support they need for healthy growth and development within their families and communities. By enhancing family stability, we are implementing best practices and standards in the social sector, ensuring the well-being of mothers and their newborns, which will positively impact the overall quality of family life.”
She added, “This initiative is in line with the government’s directives to encourage Emiratis to join the private sector and aligns with SSA’s strategic vision of enhancing the stability of Emirati families while increasing their social contribution. As this initiative targets the private sector, the Authority will strive to expand strategic partnerships to promote its adoption and implementation as part of corporate social responsibility. This will encourage Emirati families to have children and raise them in a healthy and stable environment that supports the growth and development of the Emirati family.”
Dr. Ahmed Al Azeezi, Executive Director of the Social Support Applications Sector at SSA, said: “The Maternity Leave Support for Women in the Private Sector Programme, designed to complement the Nafis programme, seeks to provide up to 90 days of paid maternity leave for Emirati mothers working in the private sector. This initiative relies on a collaborative approach and partnership with private sector entities and companies, which we encourage to adopt this voluntary programme. Our objective is to fulfil the goals of the Emirati Family Growth Support Programme in Abu Dhabi, enhancing family stability and strengthening its social role.”
The new service is available to Emirati mothers working in the private sector who have a family book issued in Abu Dhabi and have obtained a no-objection certificate from their employer. To qualify for this service, individuals must apply for the service within the first 30 days of the baby’s delivery. They must also provide a valid salary certificate, and their bank account details, including the IBAN. The child’s birth date must be on or after September 1, 2024.
The SSA will provide details in September 2024 regarding the service delivery channels and the commencement date for accepting applications for the Maternity Leave Support for Women in the Private Sector.