The 14-Day Gratuity Rule and What to Do If You Are Not Paid

Quick answer: UAE employers must pay all end-of-service dues, including gratuity, within 14 days of the contract end date. If they do not, file a free complaint with MoHRE through the app, the website, or 600590000. MoHRE mediates and can issue a binding decision for claims up to 50,000 AED, and it refers larger claims to the Labour Court.

The law is firmly on the employee's side here, and most gratuity disputes are resolved at mediation without a lawyer. This is the enforcement chapter of our complete guide to UAE end-of-service gratuity.

What the 14-day rule says

• Employers must settle wages, leave balance, notice pay, and gratuity within 14 days of the last working day.

• Cash-flow problems are not a legal excuse.

• In the case of death in service, the family must be paid within 10 days.

• Late or non-payment exposes employers to significant penalties.

Before you file: know your number and gather proof

1. Calculate what you are owed with the UAE gratuity calculator so you can state a specific figure. If you are unsure whether the basic figure is right, check basic vs total salary.

2. Save your MoHRE contract, payslips, WPS and bank records, and your resignation or termination letter.

3. Send a dated written request to HR asking for the settlement breakdown, and keep a copy.

Step by step: the MoHRE complaint process

1. File the complaint. Use the MoHRE app, the eServices portal via UAE Pass, the call centre on 600590000, or a Tasheel centre. Select the complaint type and enter your claim amount.

2. Mediation. MoHRE contacts both parties and attempts an amicable settlement, usually within about two weeks. Most gratuity disputes end here.

3. Binding decision or court referral. MoHRE can issue a final, enforceable decision for claims up to 50,000 AED. Larger or unresolved claims are referred to the Labour Court, where you register the case within 14 days of the referral.

4. Enforcement. With a judgment, pursue enforcement, which can include freezing accounts. Do not withdraw a case on a verbal promise, because that is a common and costly mistake.

Protections while you claim

Filing a legitimate complaint does not automatically cancel your visa, and you are protected from retaliation. MoHRE can also issue a temporary work permit so you can work legally while your case proceeds.

Act promptly

Labour claims are subject to a statutory time limit, so do not sit on an unpaid gratuity. File as soon as the 14-day window passes, and confirm the current deadline with MoHRE if you are unsure.

FAQ

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

14 days from the contract end date. Beyond that, you can file a MoHRE complaint.

Is filing a MoHRE complaint free?

Yes. Filing is free through the app, website, call centre, or a Tasheel centre.

Do I need a lawyer?

Usually not for straightforward claims. You can represent yourself, and mediation resolves most cases. Legal help is worth it for contested or high-value disputes.

Can my employer cancel my visa for complaining?

Not for filing a legitimate complaint. You are protected from retaliation.

Sources and References

• Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (UAE Labour Law) and Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 (Executive Regulations), payment of end-of-service dues

• Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, labour complaints and mediation process (mohre.gov.ae)

• UAE Government portal, labour complaints and dispute resolution (u.ae)

This article is for general information and does not constitute legal advice. End-of-service entitlements and disputes should be reviewed with a qualified professional or the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).