How to File a Gratuity Complaint with MOHRE: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

If your employer hasn't paid your gratuity, or the figure they've offered doesn't match what you're owed, you don't need a lawyer or a single dirham to do something about it. Filing a labour complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) is free, and the process is designed so an employee can handle it alone. Here's exactly how it works, step by step.

Before You File: What to Gather

Complaints with clear numbers and documents settle faster. Before you start, collect:

• Your Emirates ID and labour card or work permit number
• Your employer's company/establishment name and details
• A copy of your employment contract
• Recent payslips showing your basic salary
• Your own calculation of what you believe you're owed, including the dates your employment started and ended
• Any written correspondence with your employer about the unpaid gratuity (emails, messages, or a final settlement document, if one was issued)

If you're unsure how to calculate your expected gratuity first, running your numbers through an independent source before filing gives you a concrete figure to reference in your complaint. Use our UAE Final Settlement Calculator to estimate your gratuity, unused leave pay and notice pay together.

Step-by-Step: How to File

1. Choose your filing channel. The most common route is the MOHRE smart app (iOS/Android) or the website at mohre.gov.ae, both accessed by logging in with UAE Pass. You can also call MOHRE's Labour Claims and Advisory Call Centre on 80084, or visit a Tas'heel service centre in person if you prefer in-person help or don't have UAE Pass access.
2. Select the labour complaint service and choose the category that matches your issue — end-of-service benefits/gratuity.
3. Complete the complaint form with your Emirates ID, employer's establishment details, contract end date, the amount you're claiming, and a clear description of the dispute.
4. Upload your supporting documents — contract, payslips, and any correspondence.
5. Submit. MOHRE will register the complaint and issue you a reference number to track its status.

What Happens After You File

Once registered, your case enters MOHRE's conciliation stage. A labour relations specialist reviews the complaint, confirms the details with you, and contacts your employer to attempt an amicable settlement, often through a scheduled discussion involving both parties. Many complaints are resolved at this stage within a few weeks, depending on how responsive the employer is and how clear the documentation is.

The Claim Amount Limit: AED 50,000

For claims of AED 50,000 or less, MOHRE can issue a binding decision directly, without the matter going to court. For claims above AED 50,000, or where the parties can't agree, MOHRE refers the dispute to the Labour Court. Rules and thresholds can be amended, so confirm the current figure with MOHRE at the time you file.

If It Goes to Court

If MOHRE refers your case to the Labour Court, you're generally required to register the case with the court within 14 days of receiving that referral. Workers are exempt from court fees for claims up to AED 100,000, which keeps the path to enforcement accessible even for modest amounts; fees may apply above that figure. While the case is in court, you may be able to apply to MOHRE for a temporary work permit to work with another employer. Note that if the dispute ends your employment, your work permit can be cancelled six months after the referral date. This is also the stage where a labour lawyer becomes genuinely useful, even though one isn't required to open the original MOHRE complaint.

What If You've Already Left the UAE?

You can still file. Workers who've returned to their home country typically need to grant a power of attorney (POA) to a UAE-licensed labour lawyer, who can then represent them locally, sign documents on their behalf, and attend any mediation or court proceedings. Some MOHRE channels also allow remote filing if you retain UAE Pass access.

Common Mistakes That Slow Down a Complaint

• Filing without a clear calculation. A vague complaint takes longer to process than one with a specific, documented figure attached.
• Missing supporting documents. Contracts, payslips, and correspondence make your case far easier for MOHRE to evaluate quickly.
• Waiting too long. Under Article 54, labour claims are not heard after two years from the end of the employment relationship, so delaying can bar the claim entirely.
• Confusing a labour complaint with a labour ban. Filing a complaint is about recovering money or rights you're owed. It's a separate matter from any work-permit or visa ban issue, and the two shouldn't be conflated when deciding whether to file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it cost anything to file a MOHRE labour complaint?

No, filing an individual labour complaint with MOHRE is free, and you don't need a lawyer to open the file.

How long does a MOHRE gratuity complaint usually take?

Many complaints resolve during MOHRE's conciliation stage within a few weeks of filing, depending on employer responsiveness and documentation. Cases referred to court take considerably longer.

Can I file a MOHRE complaint if I've already left the UAE?

Yes. You typically need to grant a power of attorney to a UAE-licensed labour lawyer to represent you locally, though some channels allow remote filing if you retain UAE Pass access.

What documents do I need to file a gratuity complaint?

Your Emirates ID, labour card or work permit number, employment contract, recent payslips, and your own calculation of the amount owed, along with any related correspondence with your employer.

Will MOHRE decide my case directly, or does it go to court?

For claims of AED 50,000 or less, MOHRE can issue a binding decision directly. Larger claims, or disputes that aren't resolved through conciliation, are referred to the Labour Court.

Do I pay court fees if my case is referred to court?

Workers are exempt from court fees for claims up to AED 100,000. Fees may apply for larger claims.

Is filing a labour complaint the same as a labour ban?

No. A labour complaint is about recovering wages, gratuity, or other entitlements from your employer. A labour ban is a separate matter affecting your ability to take up new employment, and the two should not be confused.

Before filing, confirm your expected figure with our UAE Gratuity Calculator, check our guide on what to do if your employer doesn't pay for the broader context, and see our gratuity time limit guide to understand the filing deadline that applies to your claim.

If you left without notice and are unsure how this affects your complaint, see our guide on UAE Gratuity and Absconding.

If a dispute involves sick leave and your final settlement, see our guide on Sick Leave and UAE Gratuity.

If your dispute involves a company merger or ownership change, see our guide on UAE Gratuity and Company Mergers.

If your dispute involves an unexplained loan deduction, see our guide on Can Your Employer Deduct a Loan from Your Gratuity?

Not sure what your full final settlement should be? Check it with our UAE Final Settlement Calculator before you file.

This article provides general information based on publicly available sources and is not legal advice. Complaint thresholds, timelines, and procedures can change and may vary by case. Confirm the current process directly with MOHRE or a licensed labour lawyer before filing. See our Privacy Policy for details on how we handle data.