Questions & Answers
Questions & Answers
3 available 3 • View allHolding gratuity and labor entitlements after resignation
16
Q: Hi,
Good day.
I have been working with a company for 5 years and a half. Then I applied for my resignation (with a 1 month notice period as per my contract) and my service ended on June 30, 2018.
A month after, my manager contacted me and asked me to sign some "pre-termination" paper. When I asked about my gratuity payment, He mentions that I can get it within a month or two and that if I still didn't receive it, I can still have grounds for complaint that I can submit to the Ministry of Labour.
However, I still declined to sign any letter. They then just told me that they'll contact me if ever the cheque is ready.
My question is:
- Was my action right by not signing any papers considering I had no guarantee of receiving my gratuity?
- Also, since I'm still looking for a job currently (and I want to settle things amicably), is it an option for me to simply just wait it out until they contact me again with regards to my cancellation and gratuity?
Thank you and have a nice day.

Aug 20, 2018
10997
Time frame for paying EOSB and visa cancellation
3
Q: How long must we wait for our End Of Service Benefits and cancelling of visa, and for the company to issue the flight ticket home?
We received letters of 30 days' notice of termination of the contract. The contract ended on 18 October 2018.
The company let us sign a letter of unpaid leave in case more work is received. We requested to leave the UAE.
We are still waiting for our EOSB on unpaid days. We have company accommodation but no monies for living expenses.
What must we do?

Nov 4, 2018
1345
Withholding of EOSB upon resignation and serving notice period
6
Q: Hi,
I have been working for a reputed company in Dubai for 2.5 years. I resigned from the company and served my notice period as per my contract.
Upon my last working day, I submitted all handover. They asked me to hand over my passport and they will only give my final settlement once I cancel my visa and show them the exit stamp or show them new visa if I get a job in Dubai.
I sent them my visa status change copy as I got a job in another company. It's been 2 months, and now my ex-company started raising questions on trivial things like "where are stationary, pens, files, the box, they can't find stuff...etc.", though I gave a handover.
I have been following up on my gratuity & final settlement, but they are not replying and not even informing me anything. No reason was given for holding my money.
Is it legal for my ex-company to hold my final settlement?
I have served my notice period, have a clean record, no warnings, no misconduct.
Can you please guide me? What can I do to get my final settlement?
Thanks
A

Jan 23, 2019
1859
Legal blog
2 available 2 • View allIs a Barter Gratuity Possible in the UAE? 8
Issue: An employee resigned from the job after working for 5 years, and signs a letter addressed to the employer that he wants his gratuity to be paid only after his customer pays the employer. Therefore, has the employer defaulted for End of Service (EOS) payment under the UAE Labour Law?
Oct 5, 2017
9106
An Overview of the New UAE Labor Law and Recent Amendments of 2024 233
The UAE has adopted a major reform in its legislative system that brought about 40 new laws and amendments to the company law, criminal law, personal status, among others. The amendments aim to develop the legislative structure in various sectors, the labor law being one of these, was the most recent. We try in this article to shed light on the changes introduced with the new labor law and their significance on both, the employer and employee.
Sep 10, 2024
92473
Laws & Regulations
3 available 3 • View allFederal Law No. (8) of 1980 Concerning the Regulation of Labor Relations 53
The provisions of this Law, known as "UAE Labour Law", govern the relationship between employers and employees and other labour matters in the United Arab Emirates. There are special labour related regulations applicable in some of the free zones in the UAE.
Apr 20, 1980
103755
Ministerial Decree No. (765) of 2015 On Rules and Conditions for the Termination of Employment Relations 8
This Decree sets the rules and conditions for the termination of fixed-term (limited) or unlimited (not term-bound) employment contract between employer and worker in the United Arab Emirates.
Sep 27, 2015
12461
Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 On the Regulation of Labor Relations 34
The provisions of this Decree-Law, known as "New UAE Labor Law", govern labour relations in the private sector of the United Arab Emirates. The New Labor Law repeals the previous UAE Labor Law (Federal Law No. (8) of 1980).
Sep 20, 2021
26941

Premium
Other answers by
My husband sold the house we bought jointlyand took a cheque plus 1-year instalments from me. What can I do? 0
Hi,
I am a non-Muslim indian expatriate, residing in Dubai since 2015. The first 5 years, I was on a working visa, and after the delivery of my first baby, I left my job and became dependent on my husband.
In 2018, we bought a house together where I invested AED 2 hundred thousand from my income (I have proof in the form of a cheque). I also paid AED 3300 monthly installment for 1 year, for a personal loan taken out for the house.
But in spite of my resistance, my husband tactfully put the house in his name, so the title deed was in his name. In 2024, when my kids and I were in India for vacation, he cancelled our visas and residency. He also filed for a divorce in India.
The divorce is not yet finalised, and we are still married. Since August 2024, he hasn't let me access my house in Dubai, so I filed a case, which eventually went in my favor in January 2025.
Since I used to travel on a visit visa, I left for India and returned in March, to find out that my husband had already sold the house. The new owner is residing there.
What can I do now?
Help!
May 1, 2025
18
Can the employer force the housmaid to work for unlimited hours without rest? 0
Hi
I'm a nanny, and at the same time, I work as a housemaid (khadama) here in the house. I work, but as I know, the nannies and housemaids have different rights, and my employer doesn't give me rest.
My work starts at 7:30 am and then finishes at 10 pm or less. It depends on whether the baby is asleep or what time they will take on me if not yet asleep. Is this right?
Also, at the time of eating, I'm still working because the baby is with me, so I just let her sit in her chair. That's how I eat.
Please answer me. I want to know my rights.
Because if I can leave during the 6-month probation, I want to take it if the employer is this kind. I don't know.
They are also expats, but they don't follow the rules of the UAE regarding a housemaid.
May 1, 2025
24
My previous organization has not yet released EOSB because I contacted a client. Is this legal? 0
I recently joined a new organization in the Hamriyah Free Zone, and my previous organization has not released my end-of-service benefits.
The HR has instructed the finance team not to do so because I had contacted one of their clients.
In my DMCC contract, there is no Non-Compete clause, but the offer letter has one, and now they are not releasing the end-of-service.
Is this legal? What are my rights?
Apr 30, 2025
17
Can I renew my trade license and visa if I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me? 0
Hello,
I have multiple cheque execution cases filed against me due to financial strains last year.
My trade license and visa will expire next month, along with my Emirates ID.
Is it possible for me to renew my license and visa along with EID prior to settling the execution cases?
The trade license and visa were issued by the free zone authority.
I look forward to your response.
Thanks.
May 1, 2025
46
Can I return to Dubai after 12 years away on a new employment visa? 0
Hello,
I came from Dubai to India on emergency leave, but unfortunately, I did not return. It has now been 12 years. Can I go to Dubai on a new visa?
I have already received a new employment visa from another employer.
Can I return to Dubai, or will there be any problems with UAE immigration?
Please advise!
Apr 30, 2025
18
Get quotes from lawyers
Find the right lawyer for your legal needs.
Submit your request and get multiple
competitive offers from
qualified lawyers.
Popular Q&A
View all Looking for something else?
Ask for advice from a lawyer