How to File a MOHRE Labour Complaint for Unpaid Gratuity
A step-by-step procedural guide under Article 53 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021
One of the most frequent labor disputes in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the Northern Emirates involves delayed or withheld End of Service Gratuity (ESG). Under Article 53 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, UAE employers are legally mandated to pay all accrued dues—including gratuity, leave salary, and unpaid wages—within 14 calendar days of contract termination.
If your former employer has exceeded this 14-day window without paying your settlement, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) provides an expedited dispute resolution framework. Follow this official guide to protect your statutory rights.
The 5-Step Process to Recover Unpaid Gratuity
Before filing a legal claim, ensure that 14 calendar days have officially elapsed since your last working day. Use our UAE Gratuity Calculator to compute your exact net entitlement based strictly on your Basic Salary (excluding allowances). Keep a printed or saved copy of your calculation breakdown.
You will need digital copies of the following documents:
- Your official MOHRE-registered Employment Contract.
- Your Emirates ID copy and passport/visa page.
- Written proof of resignation or termination (email or formal letter with delivery timestamp).
- Bank account statements reflecting your last salary deposits.
- Any written correspondence where the employer acknowledged the dues or delayed payment.
You can initiate your claim free of charge without hiring a lawyer through three primary channels:
- MOHRE Mobile App: Download the official “MOHRE UAE” app on iOS or Android, log in using UAE Pass, and select “Register Labour Complaint”.
- MOHRE Toll-Free Helpline: Call 600 590 000 and speak with an advisor who will file the complaint on your behalf.
- MOHRE Official Portal: Visit mohre.gov.ae > Services > Register Labour Complaint.
Once submitted, MOHRE will assign your case to a legal researcher at a Twafouq Centre (Labour Dispute Mediation). A telephone or virtual session will be scheduled with you and your employer. MOHRE legal officers will clarify statutory obligations and encourage an immediate settlement agreement within 14 days.
If the employer refuses to pay or fails to attend mediation, MOHRE will issue a formal Dispute Referral Letter transferring the case to the Summary Labour Court. Under recent legislative updates, claims under AED 50,000 are adjudicated through expedited executive orders directly by the Ministry without lengthy courtroom delays.
Crucial Precaution: Do Not Sign Blank Clearance Forms!
Employers often ask workers to sign an End of Service Clearance Form stating that they have “received all wages and final settlements in full” before the funds have actually cleared their bank account. Never sign a clearance declaration until the funds are confirmed in your bank account. Signing prematurely can severely weaken your case before MOHRE legal researchers.
Official Legal Disclaimer & Scope of Application
This UAE Gratuity Calculator is an automated computation tool built strictly according to statutory standards codified under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (Regulation of Labour Relations) and Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022. It is provided for personal evaluation, budgeting, and general estimation purposes only.
Individual contracts may carry explicit clauses, pre-existing valid agreements, non-compete terms, or approved alternative workplace savings funds (Cabinet Resolution No. 96 of 2023). For official labor disputes, file a grievance via the MOHRE Smart App or call the toll-free helpline at 600 590 000.