Questions & Answers
Can the employer terminate an employee without a valid reason?
Hi,
I worked with a company for 2 years and 8 months under an unlimited contract. I was dismissed with a 1-month notice, however, there were no warning letters.
I assume I am being laid off because of the current market condition. I would like to confirm if I am entitled to my gratuity as well as 3 months salary.
I have a loan and this would be helpful in closing out the loan and relocating back to my home country.
Appreciate your advice.
Dear Questioner,
Thank you for writing to me.
Please note that you are entitled to get all your dues including end of service benefits. Further, if you were terminated without a valid reason, you may claim compensation for arbitrary dismissal.
This is as per Article 122 of the UAE labour law which states as follows:
"A worker's service shall be deemed to be arbitrarily terminated by his employer if the reason for termination is irrelevant to the work. More particularly, termination shall be regarded as arbitrary if it is prompted by a formal complaint filed by the worker with the competent authorities or a legal action instituted against the employer that proved to be valid."
Regards,
Rajasree Ravivarma
