Probation Period and Gratuity: What Happens If You Leave During Probation?
If you're still in your probation period and thinking about leaving — or your employer has told you they're ending things before your probation is complete — one question comes up immediately: do you get any gratuity at all? Probation periods create genuine confusion because they sit in a legal gray area between "just started" and "fully employed," and the answer isn't always as simple as people assume. This guide breaks down exactly how probation periods interact with gratuity eligibility under UAE labour law. What Is a Probation Period Under UAE Law? A probation period is a trial phase at the start of employment, during which an employer evaluates whether an employee is suitable for the role, and the employee evaluates whether the job is the right fit for them. Under UAE labour law, probation periods are capped at a maximum of six months and must be explicitly stated in the employment contract — an employer cannot impose probation informally or exte...