Fired Without a Valid Reason in the UAE? How to Claim Compensation

Being fired without a valid reason in the UAE does not leave you empty-handed. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, a worker who wins an arbitrary dismissal case can receive compensation of up to 3 months' wage, and that comes on top of notice pay and end-of-service gratuity.

A mainland employee raised the question with Khaleej Times last week. Here is what you can claim and how to file with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

What the law says about being fired without reason

Article 43 lets either side end a contract for a legitimate reason, with 30 to 90 days' written notice. If your employer skips the notice, it must pay your full wage for that period instead.

Article 47 covers unlawful, or arbitrary, dismissal. It names one clear case: being fired for filing a serious MoHRE complaint or a lawsuit against your employer that proves valid.

If the court agrees the dismissal was unlawful, it sets "fair compensation" based on:

• the type of work you did
• the harm the dismissal caused you
• how long you served

The cap is 3 months' wage, based on your last salary. Lawyer Ashish Mehta told Khaleej Times that dismissal without a legitimate cause can count as arbitrary, though each case turns on its facts. Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 sets out the detailed rules.

What you can claim: a worked AED example

The compensation does not replace your other rights. Take an employee on AED 12,000 a month (AED 8,000 basic), with 4 years' service and a 30-day notice period they were not allowed to work:

Entitlement	How it is calculated	Amount
Notice pay	1 month of last wage	AED 12,000
Gratuity	21 days' basic x 4 years	AED 22,400
Arbitrary dismissal compensation	Up to 3 months' last wage	Up to AED 36,000

Gratuity uses basic pay only: 21 days for each of the first 5 years and 30 days for each year after, capped at 2 years' wage. See when your employer can deduct your gratuity.

Your employer must pay all final dues within 14 days of the contract ending, under Article 53.

How to file a MoHRE complaint, step by step

The complaint is free on the MoHRE website and smart app.

1. Gather documents. Termination letter, contract, payslips, bank statements and any messages about the dismissal.
2. Register the complaint. Enter your passport and Emirates ID details, then confirm with the OTP sent by text or email.
3. Settlement attempt. MoHRE contacts both sides to try for an amicable deal, within about 14 working days.
4. Decision or referral. For claims of AED 50,000 or less, MoHRE can issue a binding decision. Larger claims go to court.
5. Appeal. Either side can challenge a MoHRE decision in court within 15 working days.

The MoHRE call centre is open 24 hours on 600 590000. If wages are also unpaid, see how to report unpaid salary to MoHRE.

Deadlines and costs to know

Since a 2024 amendment, claims are barred 2 years after the job ends, according to law firm Clyde & Co. Older guides citing 1 year are out of date.

Worker claims of AED 100,000 or less are exempt from court fees. During notice you may take 1 unpaid day a week to job hunt, with 3 days' warning, so browse live UAE jobs early.

Key takeaway

Dismissed without a legitimate reason? Claim notice pay, gratuity and, if the court finds the firing unlawful, up to 3 months' wage on top. Start with a free MoHRE complaint and act well within the 2-year limit.

FAQ

How much compensation do you get for unfair dismissal in the UAE?

The court decides, up to 3 months' wage based on your last salary, weighing the work, the harm and your service.

Does arbitrary dismissal compensation replace gratuity?

No. Article 47 keeps your notice pay and gratuity intact, so you can receive all three.

How long do I have to file a labour complaint after being fired?

Claims cannot be heard more than 2 years after the job ends. Filing early keeps evidence fresh.

Can my employer fire me without notice in the UAE?

Only in Article 44 cases, such as forged documents or over 7 consecutive days' unexcused absence, after a written investigation. Otherwise you are owed notice or pay instead. See whether notice pay follows your labour card or MoHRE contract.

Do I need a lawyer to file a MoHRE complaint?

No. You can file yourself for free. Many workers only hire a lawyer if the case reaches court.

Further reading

• UAE Unfair Dismissal Guide: Employee Rights & Compensation Process 2025
• UAE Probation Termination: Rules Employers Must Follow When Firing Staff
• UAE Gratuity: When Can Your Employer or Bank Deduct Your End-of-Service Pay?
• Can Your UAE Employer Cut Your Salary or Force Unpaid Leave?

This article is general information, not legal advice. For your own case, speak to MoHRE or a qualified UAE lawyer.