How can I claim my gratuity for almost 7 and a half years in the government sector?

Dear Questioner,

Thank you for your inquiry!

In the UAE, end-of-service benefits (gratuity) for employees in the government sector are governed by specific regulations, which may differ from those applied in the private sector under the UAE Labour Law.

In many local or federal government entities, gratuity may be:

- Replaced by a pension scheme (especially for UAE nationals), or

- Calculated according to internal human resources policies or Civil Service Law for expatriates, which may limit gratuity entitlements compared to private sector standards.

If you have served for over 7 years, and the authority is offering only 2 months’ salary and a one-way ticket, this likely reflects their internal policy. However, you have the right to:

- Request a copy of the official policy or HR manual explaining the basis of this calculation.

- Seek legal advice to verify whether the benefits offered are in line with the applicable government employment contract or Civil Service regulations.

If you feel your entitlements are not being properly honored, you may also submit a formal complaint to the relevant government HR department or legal affairs unit.

We would be pleased to assist you in reviewing your employment contract, advising on your rights, or preparing any necessary communications.

Kind regards,

Mohammed Salah

Legal Consultant