Your Employer Won’t Pay Gratuity – What Now?

Not receiving your gratuity is illegal in UAE. This guide shows you exactly how to claim your money through official MOHRE channels.

UAE Law on Gratuity Payment

According to Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021:

• Employer MUST pay gratuity within 14 days of your last working day
• Delay or non-payment is a violation of UAE law
• You have the right to file a complaint

Step 1: Send Written Request

Before filing a complaint, send a formal email to your employer:

Sample Email Template:

Subject: Request for End of Service Gratuity Payment

Dear [HR Manager Name],

I left employment with [Company Name] on [Last Working Date]. According to UAE Labor Law, my end of service gratuity should have been paid within 14 days.

As of today, I have not received my gratuity payment of AED [Amount].

I request immediate payment within 3 working days. Otherwise, I will file a complaint with MOHRE.

My calculation: [Years] years of service × [Basic Salary] = AED [Amount]

Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Employee Number]

Step 2: File MOHRE Complaint Online

If employer doesn’t respond in 3 days, file official complaint:

1. Visit MOHRE E-Services: mohre.gov.ae
2. Click “Labor Complaints“
3. Login with UAE Pass or register
4. Select “Individual Labor Complaint”
5. Choose complaint type: “Financial Claims – Gratuity”
6. Fill in details:
   • Company name and trade license number
   • Your employment dates
   • Basic salary amount
   • Calculated gratuity amount
7. Upload documents (see below)
8. Submit complaint

Documents You Need

Prepare these documents before filing:

• Employment contract (shows your basic salary)
• Salary certificates or bank statements
• Resignation letter or termination letter
• Labor card copy
• Passport copy
• Emirates ID copy
• Email correspondence with employer about gratuity

What Happens After Filing?

Timeline:

• Day 1-3: MOHRE reviews your complaint
• Day 4-7: MOHRE contacts your employer
• Day 8-14: Mediation session scheduled
• Day 15-30: Court hearing if mediation fails

Possible Outcomes:

• Best case: Employer pays immediately after MOHRE contact
• Common case: Settlement agreed during mediation
• Worst case: Court judgment in your favor (takes 1-2 months)

Your Rights During Process

• Free legal support from MOHRE
• No need to hire lawyer for MOHRE complaint
• Employer cannot ban you or cancel visa as revenge
• MOHRE can freeze company’s operations until they pay

Common Employer Excuses (and Your Response)

Excuse 1: “Company has cash flow problems”
Your response: “Not my problem. UAE law requires payment within 14 days.”

Excuse 2: “You didn’t serve notice period”
Your response: “Notice period and gratuity are separate. You can deduct notice period from gratuity, but not refuse entire payment.”

Excuse 3: “Your performance was poor”
Your response: “Gratuity is my legal right unless I was terminated for serious misconduct under Article 120.”

Success Rate

According to MOHRE statistics:

• 85% of gratuity complaints are resolved through mediation
• 95% of employees win court cases for unpaid gratuity
• Average resolution time: 30-45 days

Calculate Your Claim Amount

Before filing, calculate exact amount using our free gratuity calculator. Print the result to include with your MOHRE complaint.

Important Tips

1. Don’t delay – File within 1 year of leaving the company
2. Keep all emails – They are evidence
3. Never accept less without consulting MOHRE
4. Be professional in all communication

Your gratuity is your legal right. UAE law protects employees. Don’t be afraid to claim what you deserve.