How long does an employer have to pay gratuity in the UAE?

Under UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), the employer must pay all end-of-service benefits, including gratuity, within 14 days of the employment end date. If they fail to do so, you can file a complaint with MOHRE.

Can my employer refuse to pay gratuity if I resigned?

No. Under the 2021 UAE Labour Law, employees are entitled to gratuity regardless of whether they resigned or were terminated. The old rule that reduced gratuity for resignation before 5 years has been abolished. You receive full gratuity based on your years of service.

What if my employer says they cannot afford to pay?

Financial difficulty does not exempt an employer from paying legally owed gratuity. File a complaint with MOHRE. For claims under AED 50,000, MOHRE can issue a binding decision. For larger amounts, the case is referred to the labour court.

Employer Not Paying End of Service Gratuity in UAE? Your Options

You have left your job and your employer has not paid your end-of-service gratuity. This is more common than it should be — but the law is firmly on your side.

Your Legal Entitlement

Under the UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), every employee who has completed at least one year of continuous service is entitled to end-of-service gratuity. The calculation:

First 5 years: 21 days of basic salary per year
After 5 years: 30 days of basic salary per year
Maximum cap: Total gratuity cannot exceed 2 years of total salary

Calculate your exact gratuity amount using our free calculator.

The 14-Day Rule

Your employer must pay all end-of-service benefits within 14 days of your last working day. This includes:

End-of-service gratuity
Any unpaid salary
Accrued but unused annual leave
Any other contractual entitlements

Step-by-Step: Getting Your Gratuity

Calculate your entitlement. Use our gratuity calculator to know the exact amount.
Send a formal demand. Email your employer (and HR department) requesting payment within 7 days, citing the 14-day legal deadline.
File a MOHRE complaint. If they do not pay, file online via the MOHRE app or mohre.gov.ae. Include your employment contract, final payslip, and the demand email.
Attend mediation. MOHRE will schedule a mediation session within 14 working days.
Labour court referral. If mediation fails and your claim exceeds AED 50,000, MOHRE refers it to the labour court.

Common Employer Tactics

"You resigned so you do not get gratuity" — False under the 2021 law. Resignation no longer reduces gratuity entitlement.
"We will deduct training costs" — Only valid if there was a specific, signed training agreement with a repayment clause. General onboarding is not deductible.
"You need to sign a clearance letter first" — You should not sign anything that waives your gratuity rights. Read carefully before signing.
"We are processing it" — Set a deadline. After 14 days from your last day, they are in violation of the law.

Important: Time Limit for Claims

You must file your MOHRE complaint within one year of the violation. Do not wait — the sooner you file, the stronger your case.

Employer Not Paying End of Service Gratuity in UAE? Your Options

Your Legal Entitlement

The 14-Day Rule

Step-by-Step: Getting Your Gratuity

Common Employer Tactics

Important: Time Limit for Claims

Related Resources

Know Your Employment Rights

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