Can I Get a Salary If a Company Terminated Me in Dubai?

Losing a job can be a difficult experience, especially when it comes unexpectedly. However, UAE Labour Law, which applies to all employees working in Dubai (except those in the DIFC and ADGM financial free zones), offers protections to ensure that workers are not left without rightful compensation. Understanding your entitlements after termination is essential to securing your legal rights.

Whether you were terminated with cause or without, you may still be eligible for various financial settlements. The key is knowing what the law says and how to act promptly. In many cases, consulting with the best family lawyers in Dubai, especially those associated with firms offering employment law services, can help you pursue your legal rights effectively.

Types of Termination Under Dubai Labour Law

1. Termination with Notice (Lawful Termination)

   • This occurs when an employer ends the employment contract by providing proper notice as per the contract, usually 30 days.

   • Even in this case, the employee is entitled to:

     • Salary up to the final working day.

     • Payment for any unused leave balance.

     • End-of-service gratuity if the service exceeds one year.

     • Any other contractual benefits such as bonuses, commissions, etc.

2. Termination Without Notice (Summary Dismissal)

   • Under Article 44 of the UAE Labour Law, employers may terminate an employee without notice for serious misconduct (e.g., fraud, repeated absenteeism, or disclosing confidential information).

   • Even in such cases, the employer must still pay for:

     • Salary up to the day of termination.

     • Any pending dues or leave encashments?

3. Arbitrary or Unlawful Termination

   • If termination happens without a valid reason related to work performance or behavior, it may be deemed arbitrary under Article 47.

   • In such instances, the employee can claim:

     • Compensation up to three months’ gross salary.

     • Additional benefits like gratuity and notice period.

   • Determining arbitrary dismissal often requires legal expertise, and this is where seeking guidance from the best family lawyers in Dubai—many of whom are part of full-service firms—can be highly advantageous.

What You Are Entitled to After Termination

If you’ve been terminated, here’s what you may be entitled to:

✅ Unpaid Salary

Your employer must pay you all earned salary up to your last working day, regardless of the reason for termination.

✅ Notice Period Compensation

If the employer fails to give the required notice, you are entitled to notice period pay (usually one month’s salary).

✅ End-of-Service Gratuity

Employees who have completed at least one year of continuous service are eligible for a gratuity payment, calculated as:

• 21 days' wages per year for the first 5 years.

• 30 days’ wages per year beyond 5 years.

Note: The total gratuity cannot exceed two years’ wages.

✅ Leave Encashment

If you have unused annual leave days, these must be paid out in cash at the time of final settlement.

✅ Other Dues

This includes commissions, incentives, bonuses, or reimbursements outlined in the employment contract.

✅ Air Ticket (if applicable)

Many companies offer a repatriation ticket back to your home country, which is a requirement unless the employee joins another employer.

What to Do If Your Employer Refuses Payment?

If your employer refuses to settle your dues, you should:

1. File a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

2. Keep all employment contracts, salary slips, and correspondence as evidence.

3. Seek legal support, particularly from multi-disciplinary law firms where the best family lawyers in Dubai often work alongside expert labour lawyers who can represent your case professionally.

Why Involve the Best Family Lawyers in Dubai?

While family lawyers primarily deal with personal matters like divorce, inheritance, and custody, many top family law firms in Dubai are part of full-service legal practices that also offer:

• Labour law expertise

• Contract dispute resolution

• Litigation and arbitration support

The best family lawyers in Dubai understand not only the sensitivities involved in personal legal issues but also the procedural precision required in employment disputes, especially where family finances are impacted by job loss. Their experience can be crucial when navigating complex cases involving compensation claims, visa issues, or even legal proceedings if the employer has acted in bad faith.

Final Thoughts

Yes, you can get your salary and other legal entitlements after being terminated in Dubai. The UAE’s labour laws are designed to protect employees from exploitation and ensure that their financial rights are upheld even after employment ends.

If your termination is wrongful, unjustified, or you are not being paid your dues, do not hesitate to seek legal advice. The best family lawyers in Dubai, especially those associated with comprehensive legal firms, can connect you with expert employment lawyers who will ensure that your rights are fully enforced under UAE law.