Last updated: July 16, 2026 | Educational checklist | Not legal advice
Start with the written settlement
If gratuity or final settlement is delayed, first ask for a written breakdown. Compare the employer's numbers against your own records: joining date, last working day, basic salary, unpaid leave, unused annual leave, notice period, and deductions.
The UAE Government's end-of-service benefits page states that eligible private-sector gratuity is generally calculated from basic salary, not allowances, and gives the common 21-day and 30-day service bands. Use that as a source check, but treat unusual contracts or disputes as a reason to get official or qualified advice.
Evidence to collect
- Employment contract and any contract renewal or amendment.
- Joining date, resignation or termination notice, and agreed last working day.
- Basic salary evidence, such as contract, salary certificate, payslips, or WPS records.
- Leave balance, unpaid leave records, deductions, advances, or loan agreements.
- Employer final-settlement calculation and any payment promise in writing.
Download unpaid gratuity evidence checklist
Compare the disputed numbers first
Before escalating, put the employer breakdown and your own estimate side by side. The most useful comparison is usually not one final number; it is the specific input that changed the result.
- Joining date and last working day used for service length.
- Basic salary used for gratuity, separate from allowances.
- Unpaid leave, deductions, advances, or notice-period entries.
- Separate settlement lines for gratuity, unpaid salary, unused leave, and reimbursements.
Official routes to check
For private-sector labour disputes, MOHRE lists a Register Labour Complaints service and says applicants can follow up through MOHRE inquiry services, the smart app, or the listed contact channels. MOHRE also lists documents supporting the claim as required documents where applicable.
Source links checked July 16, 2026: MOHRE Register Labour Complaints and UAE Government end-of-service benefits.
Calculator cross-check
Run your own estimate with the UAE gratuity calculator, then save the result with the assumptions used. If the employer uses a different basic salary or service period, record exactly where the numbers differ.
FAQ
What should I do first if UAE gratuity is unpaid?
Collect the employment contract, salary evidence, resignation or termination record, last working day, leave records, and the employer final-settlement breakdown. Compare those records with your own estimate before escalating.
What numbers should I compare before escalating?
Compare joining date, last working day, basic salary, unpaid leave or deductions, and the employer's written final-settlement lines against your own calculator estimate and records.
Where can private-sector employees check official complaint options?
MOHRE publishes a Register Labour Complaints service for private-sector employees and employers. Employees should use official channels or qualified advice for disputes.
Is this unpaid gratuity checklist legal advice?
No. This page is an educational checklist for organizing documents and estimates. It is not legal advice and does not replace official guidance or qualified professional advice.