How to File a MOHRE Complaint for Unpaid Gratuity 2026
Employer not paying what you are owed? This step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to file. ยท 8 min read ยท
By Asfandyar Khan, UAE Gratuity Check
Your rights if gratuity is not paid
Under Article 53 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, your employer must pay your wages and all dues, including gratuity, within 14 days of the contract ending. If they do not, you can complain to MOHRE. MOHRE can issue a binding decision on claims up to AED 50,000; larger claims go to the labour court (Article 54).
Consequences for the employer include administrative fines, trade licence suspension, and restrictions on hiring new employees. The process is free for employees and does not require a lawyer.
When should you file a MOHRE complaint?
File a complaint if any of the following apply to you after leaving employment:
- Employer has not paid gratuity within 14 days of the contract ending (Article 53)
- Employer paid less gratuity than you are legally entitled to
- Employer deducted amounts from gratuity that are not legally permitted
- Employer claims you have forfeited gratuity because you resigned (incorrect under 2022 law)
- Employer has not paid outstanding salary, leave, or notice pay alongside gratuity
Documents to gather before filing
Having complete documentation strengthens your case. Gather as many of the following as possible:
Essential documents
- Original passport and copy
- Emirates ID (front and back)
- Employment contract or offer letter
- Latest salary certificate or payslips (3 months minimum)
- Termination letter or acceptance of resignation
- Final settlement notice (if any)
Supporting evidence
- WhatsApp/email communication with employer about gratuity
- Bank statements showing salary history
- Labour card or work permit copy
- Any previous MOHRE filings or warnings
- Gratuity calculation showing the shortfall
How to file your MOHRE complaint โ 4 channels
Online โ mohre.gov.ae
The fastest method. Visit the MOHRE website, select "Labour Complaints", log in with your UAE Pass, and submit the complaint form with document uploads. Available 24/7.
MOHRE App
Download the official MOHRE app on iOS or Android. File a complaint under "Labour Services". You can track the status of your case from the app.
Phone โ 600590000
Call the MOHRE call centre on 600590000 (the number on MOHRE's service pages; some older guides still quote 800 60). An agent can log your complaint and advise on next steps.
In person โ MOHRE Service Centre
Visit any MOHRE service centre in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or other emirates with your original documents. Staff will assist you in submitting the complaint form. Best for complex cases or if you are unable to access digital services.
The MOHRE complaint process โ timeline and stages
| Stage | Typical timeline | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Complaint registered | Immediate | You receive a case reference number via SMS/email |
| Employer notified | 1โ3 working days | MOHRE contacts your employer and requests their response |
| Amicable settlement meeting | Within 2 weeks | MOHRE mediator meets both parties to negotiate a settlement |
| Case referred to labour court | If no settlement | MOHRE refers the case โ no court fees for employees |
| Labour court judgment | 1โ3 months | Court issues a binding judgment ordering payment |
| Enforcement | Post-judgment | If employer still does not pay, court can seize assets |
Before you file, verify the correct amount using the UAE gratuity calculator โ a precise figure strengthens your complaint.
What happens to employers who do not pay gratuity?
Under UAE law, employers who fail to pay gratuity on time face escalating consequences:
- Administrative fines โ Monetary penalties issued by MOHRE for each violation
- Trade licence suspension โ MOHRE can recommend suspension of the company's trade licence
- Hiring freeze โ Restriction on recruiting new employees until the violation is resolved
- Work permit ban โ Block on issuing new work permits for the company
- Court-ordered payment โ Interest may be added to the original amount owed
- Criminal liability โ In extreme cases, company officers may face criminal prosecution
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer to file a MOHRE complaint?
No. MOHRE complaints can be filed directly by employees without any legal representation. The process is designed to be accessible. If the case goes to the labour court, you can still represent yourself, though a lawyer may be helpful for complex cases.
What if I have already left the UAE?
You can still file a MOHRE complaint from abroad using the online portal or MOHRE app. If court proceedings are needed, you may need to appoint a legal representative in the UAE. Many cases settle without requiring your physical presence.
My employer is threatening to not give me an NOC if I complain. Is this legal?
Under the 2022 UAE Labour Law, employers cannot use visa or NOC status as leverage against employees exercising their legal rights. Withholding an NOC as retaliation for filing a labour complaint is illegal. You can report this as a separate violation to MOHRE.
How long do I have to file a complaint for unpaid gratuity?
Article 54(9) of Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021, as amended by Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2024, says a claim is not heard after two years from the date the employment relationship ended. Domestic workers have a shorter limit under their own law.
My employer says my gratuity is lower than my calculation. What should I check first?
Check the basic salary used, your service dates and any deductions. Our gratuity was short case study and the guide to reading a final settlement sheet cover the most common errors. Read about late payment in gratuity payment delay rules.
Know exactly what you are owed before you file
Use the free calculator to produce an accurate gratuity breakdown โ then attach it to your MOHRE complaint as evidence.
Calculate my gratuity โ