Gratuity Payment Late in UAE Follow This Proven Process

If your job has ended and your gratuity hasn’t been paid within 14 days, you can file a complaint in the UAE. It’s your legal right.

Many employees wait weeks or months, hoping their employer will transfer the money. But the law is clear gratuity must be paid on time, and if it’s delayed, there’s a process you can follow.

Every employee in the UAE is entitled to receive a gratuity payment at the end of their service. If you want to check your expected amount, use our Gratuity Calculator to get an instant estimate.

This guide explains how to file a complaint for delayed gratuity step by step. It covers where to go, what documents you need, and what happens after you file. Whether you resigned or were terminated, this information applies to all private sector workers.

What is Gratuity in UAE?

Gratuity is a lump-sum payment you receive when your job contract ends, if you’ve worked for at least one year. It’s calculated based on your basic salary and years of service.

For example, if you worked 5 years and your basic salary was AED 4,000, your gratuity would be about 21 days’ pay per year for the first 5 years.

This payment is your legal right. Employers must pay it within 14 days from the end of the contract.

When Can You File a Complaint?

You can file a complaint if your gratuity is not paid within 14 days after your contract ends. Whether you resigned or were terminated, the rule stays the same.

You can also complain if:

• The employer pays only part of the gratuity
• The employer refuses to pay
• You were pressured into signing a false settlement
  

Delays beyond 14 days are a breach of UAE Labour Law.

Step-by-Step: How to File the Complaint

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before you file a complaint, keep these documents ready:

• Copy of your passport and visa
• Emirates ID
• Offer letter or job contract
• Resignation letter or termination letter
• Proof of last working day
• Bank statement (to show salary and gratuity were not paid)
  

Having these ready will speed up the process.

Step 2: File the Complaint Through MOHRE

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) handles labor complaints for private sector employees.

Here’s how to file:

• Visit the MOHRE website (www.mohre.gov.ae)
• Or download the MOHRE app from Google Play or App Store
• Select “Submit Labor Complaint”
• Choose “Gratuity Delay” as the complaint type
• Upload your documents and submit the form
  

You can also call the MOHRE helpline at 600590000 or visit a TASHEEL center in person.

What Happens After You File the Complaint?

Once you file the complaint:

• MOHRE will contact your employer within a few days
• They will ask the employer to settle the payment
• If the employer agrees, the case is closed

If the employer still doesn’t pay, MOHRE will refer the case to the Labour Court.

At this stage, MOHRE gives you a document (referral letter) to file your case. You don’t need a lawyer for the court hearing, but you can bring one if you like.

How Long Does It Take?

Most complaints are resolved within 2–4 weeks at MOHRE level. If it goes to court, it can take longer from 1 to 3 months, depending on the case.

Keep checking your case status through the MOHRE app or by calling the helpline.

Will You Be Charged Any Fees?

Filing a complaint at MOHRE is free.

If the case moves to Labour Court, and your salary is less than AED 100,000 per year, you don’t have to pay court fees either.

Conclusion 

Delayed gratuity isn’t just a small issue it affects your money, your plans, and your peace of mind. UAE law protects workers and provides a clear, simple process to report these delays. If your employer hasn’t paid your gratuity within 14 days, you have the right to file a complaint through MOHRE, either online, through their app, or in person.

All you need are basic documents, a few minutes to submit the complaint, and a bit of patience while MOHRE works on your case. And if needed, the matter can go to court — without cost if your salary is below AED 100,000.

Take the first step. Don’t wait in silence. Use the tools available and claim what you’ve earned. UAE law is on your side, and the process is built to be simple and fair.