UAE Gratuity Not Paid or Delayed: Deadline and What to Do

If you have left a job and your gratuity has not arrived, start by checking how long it has been and whether the amount is right.

The deadline: 14 days

Article 53 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 says the employer must pay the worker, within 14 days of the date the contract ends, his wages and all other entitlements under the law. Gratuity is one of those entitlements.

Step 1: Work out what you are owed

Calculate your gratuity with the UAE gratuity calculator. Also add any unused leave (leave salary calculator) and any notice pay owed to or by you (notice period calculator). Keep your employment contract, payslips and the written calculation.

Step 2: Check for lawful deductions

Your employer can deduct from your gratuity only amounts due by law or by a court judgment (Article 51, clause 7). The Executive Regulations (Article 29) list them: unpaid loans or overpayments, pension and insurance contributions you owe, penalties under the approved penalty list, court debts, and damage you caused through your own mistake. Ask for a written breakdown of any deduction.

Step 3: Ask in writing

Send your employer a short written request with your figures, your last working day, and the date the 14 days ended. A written request gives you a record.

Step 4: Apply to MOHRE

If you cannot settle it, the law says a worker or employer with a dispute over rights under the labour law applies to the Ministry, which examines it and works towards an amicable settlement (Article 54). If it cannot be settled, the Ministry refers the dispute to the competent court. Article 54 was amended in 2024, so check MOHRE for the current procedure and limits.

Two points from the law that are worth knowing:

• A claim for rights under the labour law cannot be heard more than two years after the end of the work relationship (Article 54).
• Labour cases are exempt from court fees at all stages, including requests of up to AED 100,000 by workers or their heirs (Article 55).

Step 5: Keep your documents

Keep copies of your contract, offer letter, payslips, leave records, resignation or termination letter and any messages about payment.

Official text: Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 · Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022

Checked against the official text on 1 October 2026. General information, not legal advice. Procedures change, so confirm with MOHRE or a qualified adviser.