Labour and Employment Lawyers in Dubai
Advice and representation for employees and employers in salary, gratuity, dismissal and contract disputes.
In short: private-sector employment in Dubai is governed by the UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021). A labour dispute starts with a complaint to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). MOHRE tries to settle it, and can decide smaller claims itself; larger or unresolved claims go to the Labour Court. Employees in the DIFC are covered by the DIFC's own employment law and courts.
Send Your Case Details
Common Labour Claims in Dubai
| Claim | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Unpaid salary | Wages, allowances and overtime not paid on time |
| End-of-service gratuity | 21 days' basic salary for each of the first five years, and 30 days for each year after, subject to a cap of two years' total pay |
| Arbitrary (unfair) dismissal | Compensation of up to three months' salary where dismissal was for an unlawful reason |
| Notice pay | Pay in lieu of the contractual notice period (between 30 and 90 days) |
| Annual leave | Payment for unused leave on exit |
| Repatriation | The employer's obligation to cover the return ticket in most cases |
How a Labour Complaint Proceeds
- MOHRE complaint. Filed online, by app or at a service centre, with the contract and salary evidence.
- Amicable settlement. MOHRE calls both sides to try to settle.
- MOHRE decision or referral. MOHRE can decide smaller claims; otherwise the file is referred to the Labour Court.
- Labour Court. The court hears the claim, with appeals available.
- Enforcement. A final judgment is enforced through the execution court.
Read our full guide on how to file a labour case in Dubai.
For Employers
- Employment contracts, policies and disciplinary procedures that comply with the Labour Law
- Terminations handled lawfully to reduce the risk of arbitrary dismissal claims
- Non-compete and confidentiality clauses that the courts will enforce
- Defending MOHRE complaints and Labour Court cases
Mistakes Employees Make
- Resigning or signing a "full and final settlement" before claims are calculated.
- Leaving the UAE before the claim is filed.
- Missing the time limit to bring a claim after employment ends.
- Not keeping payslips, bank statements and messages about salary.
Workplace injuries are covered by our accident and injury lawyers, and contract drafting by our contract drafting lawyers.
Employment Matters We Handle
Salary, gratuity, dismissal and contract disputes for employees and employers, on the mainland and in free zones.
- End Of Service Gratuity Claims
- Unpaid Wages And Benefits
- Arbitrary Dismissal Claims
- MOHRE Complaints
- Labour Court Litigation
- Employment Contract Disputes
- Non-Compete And Restraint Clauses
- Workplace Injury Claims
- Defence Of Claims For Employers
Related Legal Services
If your matter involves another area of law, start with the page below.
- Corporate LawyersCompany set-up, shareholder agreements, restructuring and disputes.
- Civil LawyersContract, debt, compensation and commercial claims before the civil courts.
- Contract Drafting LawyersDrafting and reviewing contracts that hold up under UAE law.
- Legal AdvisorOngoing legal advice for individuals and businesses.
- Criminal LawyersDefence and complaints from investigation to appeal.
- Litigation LawyersCourt representation in civil, commercial and property disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
General guidance on this area of law. Advice on your own case requires your documents.
How Do I File A Labour Complaint In Dubai?
File a complaint with MOHRE online, through its app or at a service centre, with your contract, payslips and evidence of the dispute. MOHRE first tries to settle it.
How Is End-of-service Gratuity Calculated In The UAE?
For full-time employees, it is 21 days' basic salary for each of the first five years and 30 days for each year after, capped at two years' total pay.
What Can I Claim For Unfair Dismissal In Dubai?
If the dismissal was arbitrary, the court can award compensation of up to three months' salary, on top of other end-of-service dues.
Can My Employer Hold My Passport In Dubai?
No. Employers are not allowed to keep an employee's passport against their will. A complaint can be made to MOHRE.
Does The UAE Labour Law Apply In Free Zones?
It applies in most free zones. The DIFC and ADGM have their own employment laws and courts.
Have Your Employment Claim Assessed
Send the contract, the offer letter, the termination notice and your salary record. Most labour claims are decided on those four documents.
- OfficeSixth Floor, Suite 614
Emaar Business Park Building 4
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE - Telephone+971 54 454 3909 (On Call 24/7)
- WhatsApp+971 54 454 3909
- Emailinfo@htlawyers.ae
- DirectionsOpen In Google Maps
- HoursOffice Hours 08:00 To 16:00