MOHRE Gratuity Complaint Online: How to File and Track Your Claim

If your employer hasn't paid your end-of-service gratuity, filing a MOHRE gratuity complaint online is the standard next step after a formal demand letter. This guide covers eligibility, the documents you need, every filing channel MOHRE offers, and what happens after you submit. The letter generator below drafts the complaint itself.

Step-by-step MOHRE filing guideDocuments checklist includedComplaint letter generatorCourt escalation path explainedUpdated for 2026

Employment details

Your employment dates and the reason your employment ended.

Most UAE employment after 2022 is unlimited term under FDL 33/2021.

Jump to a section

What is a MOHRE gratuity complaintWho can fileDocuments requiredFile online (step-by-step)File via the MOHRE appCall centre & TasheelProcessing timelineTrack your complaintWhat happens nextWhy complaints get rejectedEmployer responsibilitiesEmployee rightsEscalating to labour courtComplaint checklistFAQ

What Is a MOHRE Gratuity Complaint?

A MOHRE gratuity complaint is a formal grievance filed with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation when a private-sector employer has not paid an employee's end-of-service gratuity under Article 51 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. Once filed, MOHRE contacts the employer and attempts to mediate a resolution, usually by phone or video call, before the case moves toward a binding decision or a court referral.

It sits one step after a written demand letter. Most employees send a gratuity demand letter first, wait out the 14-day payment window under Article 53, and only file with MOHRE if the employer still hasn't paid.

Who Can File a Complaint? Eligibility Under UAE Labour Law

✅ You can file if:

  • • You are a private-sector employee on a MOHRE-registered work permit.
  • • You completed at least one year of continuous service.
  • • Your gratuity wasn't paid within 14 days of your last working day.
  • • You resigned, retired, or were terminated \u2014 all three qualify equally.
  • • You do not already have an open complaint or court case on the same issue.

❌ This channel doesn't apply if:

  • • You are a UAE national (covered by pension law, not Article 51).
  • • Your employer is licensed in a free zone \u2014 file with the free zone authority first.
  • • You work under DIFC or ADGM (separate employment regimes entirely).
  • • You are a domestic worker (a distinct MOHRE service applies).
  • • You have under 1 year of continuous service (no statutory gratuity applies).

Documents Required

Gather these before you start the online form. A complaint filed without proof of your basic salary or your last working day is the most common reason MOHRE asks for resubmission.

1

Valid Emirates ID. If it is under renewal, MOHRE can usually accept passport details instead.

2

A copy of your MOHRE-registered employment contract.

3

Your labour card or work permit number.

4

Resignation letter or termination notice, whichever applies to your case.

5

Salary slips or WPS transfer records for the last three months, showing your basic salary.

6

Any written record of the dispute — emails, WhatsApp messages, or HR correspondence about the unpaid gratuity.

7

Your employer’s company name and, if you have it, the trade licence number.

8

Your own bank account details, in case the case proceeds to a settlement payment.

How to File a MOHRE Gratuity Complaint Online (Step by Step)

The official service is called Register Labour Complaints \u2014 Private Sector Employees, available on the MOHRE website.

1

Go to the MOHRE website

Open mohre.gov.ae and sign in. Individuals sign in with UAE Pass; if you don’t have one yet, you can register for it directly on the UAE Pass app using your Emirates ID.

2

Find the right service

Under Services, open the Service Directory and select “Services for Employees.” The relevant service is listed as “Register Labour Complaints — Private Sector Employees.”

3

Confirm you’re eligible to file

MOHRE will not accept a new complaint if you already have a pending complaint or an active court case tied to the same employment relationship. If that applies to you, follow up on the existing case instead of filing a duplicate.

4

Enter your employment and complaint details

Provide your labour card number, your employer’s details, the complaint category (end-of-service benefits / gratuity), and a clear statement of what you are owed and how you calculated it.

5

Attach your supporting documents

Upload your contract, resignation or termination letter, and salary proof. Complaints that don’t clearly show what is owed, and how, are harder for MOHRE to process and easier for an employer to dispute.

6

Submit and save your reference number

Once submitted, MOHRE issues a complaint reference number. Keep it. You will need it to track the case or to speak to the call centre about it later.

How to File Through the MOHRE App

The MOHRE Smart App follows the same underlying process as the website. Download it from the App Store or Google Play, sign in with UAE Pass, and open the Services menu. Select the Employee category, then the complaint or grievance option, and fill in the same details \u2014 employer information, complaint type, and the dates involved. Because UAE Pass is linked to your Emirates ID, your company name, labour card number, and contract details are pulled in automatically.

If you would rather speak to a MOHRE officer directly, the app also has a video call support option under Services → Support, available Monday to Thursday from 7:30am to 3pm and Friday from 7:30am to 12pm.

Filing via the MOHRE Call Centre or a Tasheel Centre

📞 Call Centre

Call the MOHRE call centre on 600590000, available 24 hours in multiple languages, or the Labour Claims and Advisory Centre on 80084 for advice specifically on unpaid entitlements. A representative can register your complaint over the phone or direct you to the correct online service.

🏢 Tasheel Centre

If you need in-person help, a Tasheel service centre can submit the complaint on your behalf. Bring the same documents listed above \u2014 staff will not be able to complete the form without your contract and salary proof.

Complaint Processing Timeline

Day 0

Complaint submitted and reference number issued.

Days 1–7

MOHRE reviews the complaint and contacts the employer, usually by phone or video call, to attempt mediation.

Up to Day 14

MOHRE resolves the case: an agreed settlement, a binding decision for claims up to AED 50,000, or a referral to labour court for larger or unresolved claims.

After referral

If MOHRE issues a court referral, you have a defined window to file at the Court of First Instance using that referral document.

How to Track Complaint Status

Use your complaint reference number on the MOHRE website or the MOHRE Smart App to check where your case stands. You can also call 600590000 and quote the reference number to get a status update from a call centre agent. Keep the reference number somewhere you won't lose it \u2014 MOHRE does not require re-verification of your identity every time you check.

What Happens After Filing?

After submission, MOHRE opens a case file and reaches out to your employer, typically by phone. If the employer agrees to pay, the case closes as a settlement. If the employer disputes the claim or doesn't respond, MOHRE moves the case toward one of two outcomes:

  • •Binding decision \u2014 for claims up to AED 50,000, MOHRE can issue a final decision that is directly enforceable, without a court case.
  • •Referral to court \u2014 for larger claims, or where mediation fails, MOHRE issues a referral so you can file at the Court of First Instance labour circuit.

Common Reasons Complaints Are Rejected

📄

Filing without proof of your basic salary

Gratuity is calculated on basic salary only. If your WPS records or payslips don’t clearly separate basic pay from allowances, MOHRE and your employer have room to dispute the number you’re claiming.

⚖️

Filing a second complaint on the same issue

MOHRE will not register a new complaint while an existing complaint or court case on the same employment relationship is still open. Check your case status before submitting again.

🏢

Filing through the wrong channel for a free zone job

If your employer is licensed in a free zone rather than on the mainland, the complaint usually goes to the free zone authority first. It is escalated to MOHRE only if that mediation fails.

🧮

Not stating the amount owed clearly

A complaint that doesn’t state a specific AED figure, with the calculation behind it, is harder to process. Calculate your entitlement first, then file with that number attached.

Employer Responsibilities

  • Pay all end-of-service entitlements, including gratuity, within 14 days of the contract end date (Article 53).
  • Keep accurate WPS wage records so the basic salary used for gratuity is verifiable.
  • Respond to MOHRE's mediation contact once a complaint is filed.
  • Cannot withhold an employee's passport at any point in the employment relationship.
  • Cannot dismiss or retaliate against an employee for filing a MOHRE complaint.

Employee Rights

  • Gratuity after one year of continuous service, regardless of whether you resigned or were terminated (Article 51).
  • No fee to file a MOHRE complaint.
  • The right to request that a salary-related complaint be handled confidentially, without your identity being shared with the employer during initial contact.
  • The right to escalate to labour court if MOHRE mediation does not resolve the case.
  • The right to file even after resignation, termination, or visa cancellation \u2014 see what happens to your claim after visa cancellation.

Escalating to Labour Court

If your claim exceeds AED 50,000, or your employer won't settle through MOHRE mediation, MOHRE issues a referral letting you file at the Court of First Instance labour circuit in your emirate. Labour claims are generally exempt from court filing fees for the employee, which is one reason most gratuity disputes go through this MOHRE-then-court path rather than a separate civil claim.

Bring your MOHRE referral document, your original complaint file, and the same salary and contract evidence you used at the complaint stage \u2014 the court case builds directly on what MOHRE already reviewed.

Downloadable Complaint Checklist

Print or screenshot this list before you start the online form:

Emirates ID or passport ready
Employment contract copy saved
Labour card / work permit number noted
Resignation or termination letter saved
Last 3 months of salary slips or WPS records saved
Basic salary figure confirmed (not gross salary)
Employer company name and contact details noted
Gratuity amount calculated and ready to state

Need the exact figure first? Use the UAE gratuity calculator before you file, and the complaint tool above will carry the number straight into your letter.

Frequently Asked Questions \u2014 MOHRE Gratuity Complaint Online

What is a MOHRE gratuity complaint?
A MOHRE gratuity complaint is a formal grievance filed with the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation when a private-sector employer has not paid an employee’s end-of-service gratuity. MOHRE reviews the complaint, contacts the employer, and attempts to mediate a settlement before the case can be escalated further.
Who can file a MOHRE gratuity complaint online?
Any private-sector employee registered under a MOHRE work permit can file, as can an authorized representative acting on the employee’s behalf. The complaint must relate to a breach of the employment contract, the Labour Law, or its executive regulations — unpaid gratuity falls squarely within that.
Is there a fee to file a MOHRE complaint?
No. Registering a labour complaint with MOHRE, including a gratuity complaint, does not carry a service fee. Fees only come into play later, if the case escalates to a labour court, and even then labour claims are typically fee-exempt for the employee.
How long does MOHRE take to resolve a gratuity complaint?
MOHRE aims to resolve complaints within 14 days of submission, either through a mediated settlement, a binding decision on smaller claims, or a referral to court. Complex cases, or ones where the employer is unresponsive, can take longer.
Can I file a MOHRE complaint after I’ve already resigned?
Yes. Resigning does not affect your right to claim unpaid gratuity or other end-of-service entitlements. You can file the complaint any time after your last working day, though acting promptly makes it easier to gather documents and avoid limitation issues.
What if my gratuity claim is worth more than AED 50,000?
MOHRE can issue a final, binding decision for claims up to AED 50,000. Above that threshold, or if mediation fails, MOHRE issues a referral (a No Objection Certificate) that lets you take the case to the Court of First Instance, where you can pursue the full claim.
Do free zone employees file gratuity complaints through MOHRE?
Not directly, in most cases. Employees of companies licensed in a free zone usually raise the complaint with that free zone’s own authority first. If the free zone’s mediation does not resolve the dispute, the case is escalated to MOHRE. DIFC and ADGM run entirely separate employment frameworks (DEWS and the ADGM Employment Regulations) and are not handled through this MOHRE process at all.
Can I track my MOHRE complaint status online?
Yes. You can check your case using your complaint reference number through the MOHRE website or the MOHRE Smart App, or by calling the MOHRE call centre and quoting the reference number.
What documents do I need before filing?
At minimum: your Emirates ID, your employment contract, your labour card number, your resignation or termination letter, and salary proof showing your basic pay. Written correspondence about the unpaid gratuity strengthens the case but isn’t always required.
What happens if my employer ignores the MOHRE mediation call?
If the employer does not respond or refuses to settle, MOHRE moves the case toward a formal outcome — a binding decision for claims within its threshold, or an official referral to labour court for larger or unresolved claims. Non-response does not stop the process; it simply removes the settlement option.
Is there a deadline to file a gratuity complaint?
Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 sets a limitation period for labour claims, so complaints should be filed as soon as the dispute arises rather than left indefinitely. If you’re unsure whether your situation is still within the window, file the complaint and let MOHRE confirm rather than waiting to check first.
Can UAE nationals file a MOHRE gratuity complaint?
No, not under the Article 51 gratuity system. UAE nationals are covered by separate federal pension and social security legislation rather than the end-of-service gratuity scheme that applies to expatriate private-sector employees. A UAE national with an unrelated labour dispute would use MOHRE’s general complaint channel instead.

Related Gratuity Tools

✉️
MOHRE Complaint Letter Generator

The tool embedded above — open it directly to draft your complaint letter

📨
End of Service Gratuity Demand Letter

Send this to your employer first, before filing with MOHRE

📝
End of Service Demand Letter Generator

General end-of-service entitlement demand letter

🧮
UAE Gratuity Calculator

Work out the exact AED figure before you file

📋
Gratuity Law Explained

Full breakdown of Article 51, 52 and 53 obligations

⚠️
Employer Not Paying Gratuity

What to do before you escalate to MOHRE

🚫
Employer Refusing Gratuity

Options when your employer disputes the amount owed entirely

⚖️
Gratuity Calculation Dispute

What to do when you and your employer disagree on the number

🔁
Gratuity After Resignation

How resignation affects (and does not affect) your entitlement

📋
Gratuity After Termination

Your entitlement if your employer ended the contract

🛂
Gratuity After Visa Cancellation

What happens to your claim once your visa is cancelled

📃
Gratuity Not Paid After Resignation

A dedicated wizard for this exact situation

🖋️
Gratuity Settlement Letter

Confirm a settlement in writing once your employer agrees to pay

File Your MOHRE Gratuity Complaint Today

Fill in your employment and salary details in the tool above to draft your complaint letter, then submit it through mohre.gov.ae, the MOHRE app, the call centre, or a Tasheel centre using the steps in this guide.

Back to Complaint Tool ↑

Methodology:This guide is based on MOHRE's published Register Labour Complaints \u2014 Private Sector Employees service description and MOHRE's Dear Worker: Know Your Rights guidance, together with Article 51 and Article 53 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. For company-specific guidance or to confirm current fees and thresholds, refer to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

Disclaimer: This page provides general information for private-sector employees and does not constitute legal advice. Processing times, thresholds, and channels can change; confirm current details directly with MOHRE before relying on any figure here for a live case.

Last updated: July 2026 · Reviewed by: OfficeDraft Payroll Research Team