How to File a MOHRE Complaint for Unpaid Gratuity — Step-by-Step Guide 2026

When should you file a complaint against your employer? If the 14-day deadline has passed. You have asked HR and received no clear response. Now is the right time to move ahead with filing your complaint. The complaint process is generally easier than many employees expect.

This guide explains how to file a MOHRE complaint for unpaid gratuity online, through the MOHRE app, or by phone, along with what documents to prepare, what happens after submission, and what you can expect during mediation.

Before Filing a Complaint: Calculate What You Are Owed

Before filing your MOHRE complaint, make sure you have calculated exactly what you are owed. Having a clear and specific claim can make it easier to explain your case during the complaint and mediation process.

• End-of-service gratuity: use our free UAE gratuity calculator to calculate the exact figures.
• Unpaid salary: Calculate the number of days worked but not paid, multiplied by your daily basic wage.
• Unused annual leave: Include the number of unused days multiplied by your daily basic wage.
• Notice period pay: Add up any notice payment that isn’t received yet.
• Total claim amount: Add all the above to get your total claim amount.

Documents to Prepare Before Filing Complaint

Keep all the documents aligned, as this will speed up the proceedings.

Keep digital copies of these documents available before beginning the online application.

Method 1: File a MOHRE Complaint Online

One of the easiest ways to submit a labour complaint is through the official MOHRE website.

The general process is:

1. Visit mohre.gov.ae.
2. Open the Services section.
3. Look for the relevant labour complaint or employee complaint service.
4. Sign in using your UAE Pass where required.
5. Select the complaint category that best matches your issue, such as unpaid end-of-service benefits or outstanding employment dues.
6. Enter your employer and employment information.
7. Explain the amount you are claiming and what the amount relates to.
8. Enter your employment end date and any other requested details.
9. Upload supporting documents.
10. Review the information carefully and submit the complaint.

Once the complaint has been successfully registered, you should receive a reference or transaction number. Keep this number safe because it may be needed when checking the status of your case.

Method 2: Submit the Complaint Through the MOHRE App

You can also use MOHRE’s mobile services to submit or manage a labour complaint.

The process is generally similar to filing through the website:

1. Download the official MOHRE application on your smartphone.
2. Sign in using your UAE Pass or the available login method.
3. Open the employee or labour services section.
4. Choose the labour complaint service.
5. Enter your employment and employer information.
6. Add details of the gratuity or other employment dues you are claiming.
7. Upload the requested documents.
8. Submit your complaint.

Using the mobile application can be convenient because documents can often be uploaded directly from your phone. You may also receive updates regarding the progress of your complaint through the app or other contact details registered with MOHRE.

Method 3: Contact MOHRE by Phone

Employees who would prefer to speak with a representative can contact the MOHRE call centre on 800-60 from within the UAE. A MOHRE representative can explain the complaint process, guide you toward the appropriate service and help clarify which documents may be required for your particular situation. Depending on your case, you may then be directed to complete the official complaint procedure through the appropriate MOHRE service.

What Happens After You Submit a MOHRE Complaint?

After a complaint is submitted, MOHRE generally begins by reviewing the information and attempting to resolve the dispute between the employee and employer.

The process may involve several stages.

The exact timeline can vary depending on the complexity of the dispute, the amount being claimed, the employer’s response and whether the matter requires court involvement. For this reason, employees should avoid assuming that every complaint will follow exactly the same timeframe.

What to Expect During MOHRE Mediation?

MOHRE will generally attempt to resolve labour disputes before they progress further. During this stage, both the employee and employer may be asked to explain their position and provide supporting evidence.

You should be prepared to clearly explain:

• When your employment started and ended
• Your basic salary
• Why your employment ended
• The gratuity amount you believe you are entitled to
• Any unpaid salary or leave entitlement
• Payments already received from the employer
• Communications you previously had with HR or management
• The total amount you are claiming

The employer will also have an opportunity to provide their explanation. If both parties agree on a settlement, the matter may be resolved without further proceedings. Where a resolution cannot be reached, the dispute may proceed under the applicable UAE labour dispute procedures.

Tips to Win Your MOHRE Case

Keep Important Communication in Writing

Whenever possible, communicate with your employer by email or another written method. If your employer makes a verbal promise regarding payment, consider following up with an email summarising what was discussed. Written communication can make it easier to establish a clear record of events.

Check Any Settlement Amount Carefully

Do not assume that an amount offered by your employer is automatically correct. Compare the proposed settlement with your salary records, gratuity entitlement, unused leave balance and any other outstanding dues.

Read Settlement Documents Before Signing

Pay particular attention to documents described as a full and final settlement, waiver or declaration that no further money is owed. Signing such documents may have legal consequences. Make sure you understand what you are agreeing to before signing.

Do Not Delay Your Claim

Employment-related claims may be subject to statutory limitation periods under UAE labour law. If you believe money is owed to you, consider taking action promptly rather than allowing the dispute to remain unresolved for an extended period.

Bring a Clear Calculation

A detailed breakdown of your claim can make the dispute easier to understand. For example:

Providing a structured calculation allows the mediator and employer to clearly see how you arrived at the amount being requested.

What If My Employer Does Not Show Up to Mediation?

If your employer fails to appear at the scheduled MOHRE mediation session without a valid reason, MOHRE can take the following action: issue a formal warning, refer the case directly to the Labour Court, and in repeated cases, notify relevant licensing authorities. Absence from mediation does not help the employer and often accelerates the case moving to court.

Can Employers Face Penalties for Unpaid Employment Dues?

Employers in the UAE are required to comply with applicable labour laws and regulations relating to employee wages, final settlements and end-of-service benefits.

Depending on the nature of a violation, regulatory action may potentially include:

• Administrative penalties
• Restrictions relating to work permits or establishment services
• Court proceedings
• Enforcement measures following a judgment
• Other actions permitted under UAE labour and enforcement laws

The specific consequences depend on the violation and the circumstances of the case.

To Wrap Up

Filing a MOHRE complaint is free, straightforward, and effective. The most important steps are: calculate your exact claim before filing, gather your employment contract and payslips, submit as soon as the 14-day payment deadline passes, and keep every communication in writing.

Know your exact gratuity amount before your mediation session — use our free UAE gratuity calculator on this page.