How to Dispute a Gratuity Calculation in UAE 2026
If HR gives you a final settlement that looks wrong, here is the clean way to challenge it. · 8 min read
By Asfandyar Khan, UAE Gratuity Check
FIRST STEP
Ask for the written breakdown
Before arguing over the total, ask HR for the full calculation: basic salary used, service dates, unpaid leave deduction, entitled days, any cap, and every deduction. Most gratuity disputes become clearer once each line is visible.
Then run your own estimate with the UAE gratuity calculator and download the PDF result.
COMMON DISPUTES
Where gratuity calculations usually go wrong
- Using a lower basic salary than the employment contract shows.
- Deducting resignation penalties that no longer apply under the current standard formula.
- Counting service from visa stamping date instead of the actual employment start date.
- Subtracting unpaid leave without evidence.
- Adding arbitrary deductions for training, recruitment, or visa costs.
- Ignoring unused annual leave, final salary, or notice pay in the broader final settlement.
ESCALATION
When to file a MOHRE complaint
If the employer refuses to correct the calculation or misses the final settlement payment deadline, prepare your documents and file a complaint. Read the step-by-step MOHRE complaint process.
DIFC and ADGM employees may need to follow their free-zone dispute process rather than a standard MOHRE route.