Legal Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about filing gratuity disputes as of November 2025. It is not legal advice. For complex cases, consult a qualified employment lawyer.

How to File a Gratuity Dispute in UAE: Complete MOHRE Guide 2025

If your UAE employer fails to pay gratuity, underpays, or delays payment beyond 14 days, you have the legal right to file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). The process is completely free, available in multiple languages, and can be done online in under 20 minutes. MOHRE successfully resolves 70% of gratuity disputes at the mediation stage, typically within 30-60 days.

You have 2 years from termination date to file a complaint. This comprehensive guide explains the entire process from documentation to final resolution.

When to File a Gratuity Dispute

Valid Reasons to File

✅ Employer doesn't pay gratuity at all ✅ Payment delayed beyond 14 days from termination ✅ Amount paid is less than calculated entitlement ✅ Unlawful deductions from gratuity (visa costs, training fees, arbitrary charges) ✅ Employer disputes your eligibility despite meeting 1-year threshold ✅ Wrong calculation method used (incorrect basic salary, service years, or formula) ✅ Employer claims Article 44 misconduct without documented proof

Common Dispute Scenarios

Step-by-Step Complaint Process

Step 1: Gather Required Documentation (30 minutes)

Essential documents:

1. ✅ Employment contract (signed original or certified copy)
2. ✅ Payslips (minimum last 3 months, ideally last 12 months)
3. ✅ Termination/resignation letter with effective date
4. ✅ Final settlement statement (if employer provided one)
5. ✅ Bank statements showing last salary payment
6. ✅ Emirates ID (front and back scans)

Additional helpful documents:

• Labor card copy
• Visa copy
• Email correspondence about gratuity
• WhatsApp messages with employer/HR
• Performance reviews (if relevant)
• Contract amendments or renewals

Document format:

• Scan as PDF (preferred) or high-quality JPEG
• Maximum 5MB per file
• Clear and readable text
• All pages of multi-page documents

Step 2: Calculate Your Gratuity (10 minutes)

Before filing, calculate what you believe you're owed:

Use this formula:

Daily Wage = Basic Salary ÷ 30
Years 1-5: Daily Wage × 21 days × Years
Years 5+: Daily Wage × 30 days × Years beyond 5

Document your calculation:

Create a simple breakdown:

Basic Salary: AED 10,000/month
Service: 4 years 6 months (post-probation)
Daily Wage: AED 333.33 (10,000 ÷ 30)

Years 1-4: 333.33 × 21 × 4 = AED 28,000
Partial year (6 months): 333.33 × 21 × 0.5 = AED 3,500
TOTAL OWED: AED 31,500

Employer paid: AED 21,000
DISPUTED AMOUNT: AED 10,500

Step 3: File Online Complaint with MOHRE (15-20 minutes)

Method 1: MOHRE Website (Recommended)

1. Go to mohre.gov.ae
2. Navigate to: Services > Labour Relations > File a Labour Complaint
3. Login with UAE Pass or register new account
4. Select complaint type: "End of Service Benefits (Gratuity)"
5. Fill complaint form:

1. Upload supporting documents (PDFs of contract, payslips, termination letter)
2. Review and submit
3. Save complaint reference number (e.g., MOHRE-2025-12345)

Method 2: MOHRE Mobile App

1. Download "MOHRE UAE" app (iOS/Android)
2. Register with Emirates ID
3. Select "Labour Complaint"
4. Follow same steps as website
5. Upload documents from phone camera or gallery

Method 3: In-Person at MOHRE Office

1. Visit nearest MOHRE Labour Relations office
2. Bring all documents (originals + copies)
3. Fill paper form with assistance of MOHRE staff
4. Submit documents
5. Receive complaint reference number

Available in languages: Arabic, English, Urdu, Hindi, Bengali, Tagalog, Malayalam

Step 4: MOHRE Initial Review (3-5 Working Days)

What happens:

1. MOHRE assigns case officer
2. Case officer reviews your complaint and documents
3. MOHRE contacts employer via official letter
4. Employer has 5 working days to respond
5. MOHRE requests employer's evidence (contract, payroll records, settlement calculation)

You'll receive:

• SMS confirmation of complaint receipt
• Email with case reference number
• Update on employer response status

What to do during this phase:

• Keep phone accessible for MOHRE calls
• Check email daily for updates
• Don't contact employer directly
• Gather any additional documents MOHRE requests

Step 5: Mediation Session (Within 30 Days)

MOHRE schedules mediation session:

Before the session (1 week notice):

• You receive SMS/email with date, time, location (or virtual link)
• Prepare your evidence folder (physical or digital)
• Write brief timeline of employment and dispute
• Calculate amount owed (have breakdown ready)

During mediation (30-60 minutes):

Settlement outcomes (70% of cases):

Outcome A: Full settlement in your favor

• Employer agrees to pay full amount
• Settlement agreement signed
• Payment deadline: typically 7 days
• If employer doesn't pay: MOHRE enforcement (asset freeze)

Outcome B: Partial settlement

• Both parties compromise on amount
• You can accept or refuse
• If accepted: Settlement signed, payment within 7 days
• If refused: Case escalates to court

Outcome C: Employer provides valid defense

• E.g., you worked less than 1 year (proven with dates)
• E.g., Article 44 misconduct with documented evidence
• MOHRE may rule in employer's favor
• You can appeal to labour court

Step 6: If Mediation Fails - Labour Court (3-6 Months)

When case goes to court:

• You or employer refuses mediation settlement
• OR employer doesn't attend mediation (default judgment likely)
• OR dispute is too complex for mediation

Court process:

1. MOHRE refers case to labour court (automatic, no action needed from you)
2. Court hearing scheduled (3-6 months wait typically)
3. You attend hearing with all evidence
4. Judge reviews documents, hears both sides
5. Court judgment issued (binding on both parties)
6. Enforcement if employer still doesn't pay

Do you need a lawyer?

• Not required for straightforward cases
• Recommended if:
  • Disputed amount > AED 50,000
  • Complex contract terms
  • Employer has legal representation
  • Multiple violations (gratuity + unpaid salary + leave)

Court fees:

• Filing: AED 300-1,000 (refunded if you win)
• Lawyer (optional): 10-20% of recovered amount or AED 5,000-15,000 fixed

Timeline:

• Court hearing: 3-6 months from referral
• Judgment: Usually same day or within 2 weeks
• Appeal window: 15 days from judgment
• Final judgment: 6-12 months total from initial complaint

After Settlement or Judgment

Payment Timeline

After settlement agreement:

• Employer must pay within 7 days
• Payment to your bank account
• Get written payment confirmation

After court judgment:

• Employer must pay within 15 days
• If no payment: MOHRE enforcement begins
• Asset freeze, bank account seizure possible

If Employer Still Doesn't Pay

MOHRE enforcement options:

1. Freeze employer bank accounts
2. Prevent company from hiring new employees
3. Block company from government contracts
4. Suspend business licenses
5. Criminal penalties for willful non-payment
6. Director travel ban in extreme cases

Your actions:

• Report non-payment to MOHRE immediately
• Request enforcement order
• Provide bank details for direct payment from frozen accounts

Special Situations

Filing from Outside UAE

If you've already left UAE:

1. File complaint online at mohre.gov.ae (works from any country)
2. Upload scanned documents
3. Attend mediation via video call (MOHRE offers virtual sessions)
4. Authorize representative in UAE (lawyer or friend) if needed
5. Receive payment via international wire transfer

Timeline same as in-country filing

Multiple Unpaid Benefits

If employer owes you gratuity + unpaid salary + leave:

• File one comprehensive complaint covering all claims
• List each claim separately with amounts
• Total owed: Sum of all claims
• MOHRE will address all in single process

Employer Bankruptcy

If company declares bankruptcy:

1. File complaint immediately (urgent)
2. MOHRE will check if employer has bank guarantee
3. You may receive payment from:
   • Bank guarantee (if available)
   • Insolvency proceedings (asset liquidation)
   • Wage Protection System funds (limited)

Timeline: 2-6 months (longer than normal disputes)

Complaint Against Government Entity

If your employer is government/semi-government:

• Different procedure (not MOHRE)
• Contact relevant government HR department first
• If unresolved: File with Administrative Court
• Timeline longer (6-12 months)

Tips for Successful Complaint

MOHRE Contact Information

File Complaint:

• Website: mohre.gov.ae
• Mobile App: MOHRE UAE (iOS/Android)
• In-Person: Visit nearest MOHRE Labour Relations office

Helpline:

• Phone: 600590000 (UAE)
• International: +971-4-215-8000
• Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 8AM-4PM GST
• Languages: Arabic, English, Urdu, Hindi, Bengali, Tagalog, Malayalam

Emergency Support:

• WhatsApp: +971-50-848-1488
• Email: cs@mohre.gov.ae

Related Resources

• UAE Labour Law 2025: Gratuity Entitlement Breakdown
• How to Calculate Gratuity in UAE: Complete 2025 Guide
• What Happens in MOHRE Arbitration for Gratuity Claims
• What to Expect if Your Gratuity Case Goes to Court
• Common Errors in Gratuity Calculations

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

Final Disclaimer: This guide reflects UAE labour dispute procedures as of November 2025 and is for informational purposes. It is not legal advice. For complex cases or amounts exceeding AED 50,000, consider consulting a qualified employment lawyer licensed in the UAE.