What Are You Entitled to When Leaving a UAE Job?

As a Filipino worker in the UAE private sector, you are protected under UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021). This law requires your employer to pay you all of the following:

1. Gratuity Pay

Based on your basic salary and years of service:

📊 Example
Basic salary AED 2,500 · Worked 5 years
(2,500 ÷ 30) × (21 × 5) = AED 8,750 gratuity

2. Unused Leave (Vacation Pay)

Did you not use all your annual leave? Your employer must pay you for those unused days based on your full salary. Most UAE employees get 30 days annual leave per year. Any unused balance must be paid out.

📊 Example
20 unused leave days · Full salary AED 5,000
(5,000 ÷ 30) × 20 = AED 3,333 vacation pay

3. Unpaid Salary or Overtime

Any unpaid wages, overtime hours, or allowances must be included in your final settlement.

4. Notice Period Pay

Standard notice in UAE is 30 days. If your employer terminates you without notice, they must pay you 30 days salary in lieu.

5. Air Ticket

Many contracts include a return air ticket to the Philippines upon end of service. Check your contract or ask your HR department.

Important: Resignation vs Termination

SituationGratuity Entitlement
Less than 1 year serviceNo gratuity
Resigned, 1–3 years1/3 of full gratuity
Resigned, 3–5 years2/3 of full gratuity
Resigned, 5+ yearsFull gratuity
Terminated by employerFull gratuity (after 1 year)
⚠️ Important Tip
If your employer is forcing you to resign, document everything. A forced resignation may be treated as termination under UAE law — meaning you could be entitled to full gratuity.

Calculate Your Full Settlement Instantly

Instead of calculating each part separately, use the free Doxify UAE Final Settlement Calculator.

✅ Enter basic salary & service dates ✅ Gratuity + leave pay calculated ✅ Download PDF ✅ No registration needed
🧮 Calculate Now — Libre / Free

Doxify is the only free tool in UAE that calculates your complete settlement — not just gratuity.

What to Do If Your Employer Refuses to Pay

  1. 1
    Contact MOHRE: Call 800 60 (free, available in multiple languages)
  2. 2
    File online complaint: Visit mohre.gov.ae
  3. 3
    Contact POLO-OWWA: The Philippine Overseas Labour Office in Dubai and Abu Dhabi can assist OFWs with labour disputes
  4. 4
    Go to Labour Court: UAE courts generally rule in favour of workers on clear EOSB cases