Domestic Workers and Gratuity Calculation Rules

Domestic Worker Gratuity Example

Scenario:

• Role: Housemaid
• Contract: Unlimited (starting 1 January 2023)
• Basic salary: AED 1,500/month
• Employment ends: 31 December 2024 (non-renewal)
• Service: 2 years

Calculation:

Daily rate = 1,500 ÷ 30 = AED 50/day
Gratuity = AED 50 × 0.3333 × 2 years = AED 333.33

Settlement:

• Gratuity owed: AED 333.33
• Payment deadline: 30 January 2025 (within 30 days of end)
• Delays: 0.5% monthly interest if delayed

Domestic Worker Rights & Protections

✅ Same MOHRE protections as all employees
✅ 30-day payment deadline (with interest if delayed)
✅ Full gratuity on termination (no reduction)
✅ Resignation rules apply (50–100% based on tenure)
✅ Can dispute gratuity with MOHRE
✅ Can refuse unjust deductions
✅ Cannot be retaliated for filing complaints

Common Concerns

Concern: "My employer says domestic workers don't get gratuity"

Reality: This is false. MOHRE law clearly includes domestic workers. They have full rights and protections.

Concern: "I provided food/housing instead of salary; is gratuity owed?"

Reality: If there's an employment contract with a basic monthly salary, gratuity is owed regardless of in-kind benefits. Accommodation/food don't substitute for salary.

Concern: "I want to dispute but fear losing my job"

Reality: MOHRE prohibits retaliation. You can file complaints anonymously if needed. Employer cannot legally fire you for filing a gratuity complaint.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Get a written contract specifying monthly salary
2. Keep payslips or records of payments
3. Clarify gratuity terms in writing before starting
4. Request settlement letter itemizing gratuity at end of employment
5. File MOHRE complaint if payment is delayed or incorrect
6. Know your rights: Full MOHRE protections apply

MOHRE Contact for Domestic Workers

• Toll-free: 16000 (within UAE, multilingual)
• Website: www.mohre.gov.ae
• Complaint process: Free, no filing fee
• Investigation: MOHRE investigates and enforces payment
• Confidentiality: Your complaint can be filed confidentially

Verification Checklist

Before accepting your final payment:

• [ ] I have a written employment contract specifying salary
• [ ] Contract shows my basic monthly amount (not in-kind benefits)
• [ ] Settlement letter itemizes gratuity calculation
• [ ] Amount matches the MOHRE formula (use calculator to verify)
• [ ] Payment is made within 30 days of employment end
• [ ] No unjustified deductions are applied

Related Resources

• Gratuity Eligibility in UAE: Who Qualifies
• How to Calculate Gratuity in UAE
• Can Employers Deduct Gratuity in UAE?
• UAE Labour Law 2025: Gratuity Entitlement Breakdown

For an instant end-of-service estimate, use our online gratuity calculator UAE.

Disclaimer: This reflects MOHRE law as of 2025. For specific cases, contact MOHRE (16000) or a labour lawyer.