Questions & Answers
What can I do if the employer refuses to compensation and settlement after terminating me without notice?
I work for a Meydan Freezone employer under a limited contract. The employer has terminated my contract without notice after 1 year and is not offering to pay 3 months' compensation severance, nor a notice period, nor a correct settlement.
They are asking me to sign a contract to waive it. I contacted MOHRE, who stated you need a NOC or referral letter from Meydan, but Meydan stated they do not issue one, and private matters and disputes are between you and the employer.
Good morning,
Thank you for reaching out.
Based on the information you provided, since you were employed under a limited contract and terminated without notice or valid reason, UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021) entitles you to compensation of up to three months’ salary, notice period pay, and a full and accurate final settlement including any gratuity and leave dues.
As Meydan Free Zone falls outside MOHRE’s jurisdiction and they are not issuing a referral, your best course of action is to file a labour complaint directly with the Dubai Labour Court.
I strongly advise that you do not sign any waiver of rights until your case is fully reviewed. We can assist you with reviewing your documentation, drafting a legal notice, and initiating the appropriate legal process to recover your dues.
Please let me know a suitable time to schedule a consultation to proceed further.
Best regards,
Hello,
In your case, you must first file a formal complaint with the Meydan Free Zone Authority, as they are the governing body responsible for handling employment disputes within their jurisdiction.
Once the complaint is lodged, they are required to communicate with your employer in an attempt to resolve the issue amicably.
If no resolution is reached at the Free Zone level, Meydan must then issue you a referral letter or an official report.
This document is essential, as the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) cannot process your complaint or refer it to the Labor Court without this initial step.
Please note that if you attempt to file a case directly with the court or MOHRE without following this proper procedure, your claim may be rejected.
Therefore, you should insist on submitting your complaint to Meydan first and request the necessary referral if the dispute remains unresolved.
Hello,
As an employee working under a limited contract in Meydan Free Zone, you are protected by the UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021), even though your employer operates within a free zone.
Terminating your contract without notice and without a valid reason after one year of service is likely considered arbitrary dismissal, entitling you to compensation, including notice period pay, up to three months’ severance, any accrued leave, and end-of-service benefits.
The employer’s request for you to sign a waiver forfeiting these rights is highly concerning and should not be signed unless reviewed by a legal professional.
While MOHRE does not have jurisdiction over free zones like Meydan, the free zone authority is still responsible for overseeing disputes.
Dear K.,
You should file your complaint with the Meydan administration team, not with MOHRE.
If the issue is not resolved through them, they will issue you a No Objection Certificate (NOC), which will allow you to proceed with filing a case directly before MOHRE.
Should you require any legal assistance or further guidance, please do not hesitate to contact us at or via email.
Best regards,
Nada Elmawi
Greetings,
Based on your situation, your employer is obligated under UAE Labour Law to provide proper notice, severance pay, and end-of-service benefits if they terminate your contract without cause.
Signing any waiver should be done cautiously, as it may affect your rights.
Since Meydan Freezone does not issue NOCs or referral letters for such disputes, your case needs careful legal handling to ensure you receive your rightful dues.
We recommend booking a consultation or appointing our firm, Future Vision for Advocacy and Legal Consultancy, to assist you in pursuing your legal entitlements effectively.
We are happy at Future Vision Law Advocates and Legal Consultancy to assist you and provide the best legal services that meet your needs.
To contact us, you can call or WhatsApp us.
Dear Client,
Thank you for outlining your situation regarding the termination of your limited contract by your Meydan Freezone employer.
Legal Position:
Under UAE Labour Law, even within free zones, employees on limited contracts who are terminated without valid cause are generally entitled to:
Notice Period Compensation: Payment in place of the contractually or legally required notice period (typically at least 30 days).
Early Termination Compensation: Compensation of up to three months’ salary if the termination is arbitrary or not for a legally justified reason.
Full End-of-Service Benefits: Settlement of all accrued entitlements, including gratuity and any outstanding dues.
It is not advisable to sign any waiver or settlement agreement that relinquishes your statutory rights unless you have received all due compensation and have had the terms reviewed by a legal professional.
Dispute Resolution:
While MOHRE does not have jurisdiction over freezone employment matters, Meydan Freezone is obligated to provide a dispute resolution process.
If Meydan Freezone declines to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or referral letter, you may escalate your case directly to the Dubai Courts.
You should retain all documentation related to your employment, termination, and communications with both your employer and Meydan Freezone.
Recommended Actions:
- Do not sign any waiver until you have received your full legal entitlements.
- Formally request dispute resolution from Meydan Freezone in writing.
- If unresolved, file a claim directly with the Dubai Courts, providing all relevant evidence.
- Consult with us to guide you through the process and protect your rights.
Conclusion:
You are legally entitled to proper notice, compensation, and settlement. If internal freezone mechanisms do not resolve your dispute, you have the right to seek redress through the courts.
Should you require further assistance or legal representation, please let me know.
Kind regards,
Thank you for your message.
Based on what you’ve described, if your limited-term contract was terminated early by the employer without notice or valid justification, you may be entitled under UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021) to compensation that includes:
Payment in lieu of notice,
Compensation for arbitrary dismissal (up to 3 months' salary),
Full and final settlement of your dues, including leave encashment and any end-of-service benefits.
The employer cannot lawfully compel you to waive your legal rights in exchange for your dues, especially under pressure.
If Meydan Freezone refuses to intervene directly, we can still proceed through MOHRE channels or direct court proceedings, depending on the employment registration.
I would recommend that you do not sign any waiver until a legal review is conducted.
I can assist you in asserting your rights and filing a formal complaint or legal claim to recover the amounts due.
Please feel free to reach out to me directly via WhatsApp or phone so we can discuss your case and prepare the appropriate next steps.
Kind regards,
Suhail Rana
