Lost your job in the UAE? Here are your essential legal rights and entitlements

DUBAI 23°CGOLD/FOREXPRAYER TIMESNEWSLETTERSLOGIN GOLD/FOREXDUBAI 23°CPRAYER TIMES LIVING IN UAELIVING IN UAEVISA+IMMIGRATIONHOUSINGPHONE+INTERNETBANKINGTRANSPORTHEALTHEDUCATIONRELOCATEASK USSAFETY+SECURITY Living in UAE / Ask UsLost your job in the UAE? Here are your essential legal rights and entitlements More than just gratuity? the 'benefits you can claim when your job contract ends Dubai: Losing your job is stressful enough without having to navigate the legal small print. UAE Labour Law, Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, sets out clear protections for private sector workers, ensuring you receive everything you are owed. Here is a straightforward breakdown of your rights and entitlements One of the most significant entitlements is the end-of-service gratuity, a severance payment calculated on your basic salary and length of service. Under Article 51 of the UAE Labour Law, you qualify once you have completed at least one year of service. Under 1 year of service - no entitlement 1 to 5 years - 21 days' basic salary per year Over 5 years - 30 days' basic salary for each year beyond five Total gratuity is capped at the equivalent of two years' salary. Your employer is required to pay all outstanding entitlements within 14 days of your contract ending. If payment is delayed, you have the right to file a labour complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Some private sector employees may be enrolled in the voluntary Alternative end-of-service benefits scheme, which replaces the standard gratuity with an investment-based savings fund. Employers contribute monthly to approved funds on your behalf, and you receive the returns when your employment ends. Any gratuity accrued before enrolment remains protected under the standard calculation. If you are enrolled in this scheme, your payout must still be received within 14 days of termination, as per Cabinet Resolution No. 96 of 2023. The Involuntary Loss of Employment (ILOE) scheme provides up to three months of financial support if you lose your job through no fault of your own. To be eligible, you must have been subscribed to the scheme for at least 12 consecutive months and must not have resigned or been dismissed for disciplinary reasons. Claims must be submitted within 30 days of your employment ending. The scheme is mandatory and funded by employee premiums. Under Article 43(2), you are entitled to your full salary throughout your notice period, which can range from 30 to 90 days depending on your contract. Your salary is calculated at your last received rate. Unless your employer agrees to an early release, you are expected to continue working during this time. Repatriation flight - If you were terminated (not resigned), your employer must cover the cost of your flight home, provided you are not staying in the UAE or moving to a new employer. Experience certificate - Employers are legally required to provide a MOHRE-stamped work experience certificate. If delayed, you can request it directly from MOHRE. Work permit cancellation - Your employer cannot submit the cancellation to MOHRE until you have signed to confirm receipt of all dues, including salary, gratuity, and any outstanding payments such as unused annual leave. Visa grace period - Once your visa is cancelled, you will receive approximately one month or more to regularise your status, the exact date appears on your cancellation paperwork. During this time, you can apply for a new residency visa through a new employer, a family visa, or make arrangements to leave the country. How UAE basic salary affects your employee benefits 10 ways your gratuity can grow in UAE under new scheme What legal rights do remote workers have in the UAE? UAE employee sues company, wins over Dh100,000 UAE Labour Law: Can I be forced to take unpaid leave? What legal rights do remote workers have in the UAE? Can rain delays count as working hours in the UAE? Can you leave the UAE without informing your employer?