Know Your Rights When Terminated
Whether you were fired for performance, misconduct, redundancy, or without any reason — answer a few questions and find out exactly what UAE law says about your situation.
Why did your employer terminate you?
Select the reason that best describes your situation.
Did you receive a written termination letter?
A verbal firing or being told not to come back does not count.
Were you given a notice period (or paid salary in lieu)?
Your contract specifies a notice period (typically 30-90 days). The employer must let you serve it or pay you.
Do you suspect the real reason was personal, discriminatory, or retaliatory?
For example: you filed a complaint, requested overdue salary, took maternity leave, or reported a safety issue.
How long had you been employed?
This affects your gratuity entitlement and filing options.
Has your employer paid your final settlement?
All entitlements (gratuity, leave, unpaid salary) must be paid within 14 days of your last working day.
Were you given a formal PIP or written warnings before termination?
A Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) with documented targets, or at least one written warning about performance issues.
Was the PIP fair and reasonable?
Did it have clear, achievable targets and a reasonable timeframe? Or was it designed to make you fail?
Did you receive a written termination letter?
A formal letter stating performance as the reason.
Did you receive a written termination letter?
A formal letter citing performance as the reason.
Were you given a notice period (or paid salary in lieu)?
Your contract notice period (typically 30-90 days) must be served or compensated.
Were you given a notice period (or paid salary in lieu)?
Your contract notice period must be served or compensated.
Has your employer paid your final settlement?
All entitlements must be paid within 14 days of your last working day.
Has your employer paid your final settlement?
All entitlements must be paid within 14 days of your last working day.
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What did your employer accuse you of?
Article 44 lists 9 specific grounds for gross misconduct. Select the closest match.
Do you believe the accusation is true?
Be honest — this affects what options are available to you.
Did you receive a written termination letter?
Even for misconduct, the employer should document the specific grounds in writing.
Has your employer paid your final settlement?
Unpaid salary and accrued leave must be paid within 14 days, even in misconduct cases.
Did you receive a written termination letter?
The letter should state redundancy or restructuring as the reason.
Were you given a notice period (or paid salary in lieu)?
Even for redundancy, the contractual notice period applies.
Do you believe the redundancy is genuine?
If your role was filled by someone else, or the company is still hiring for similar roles, the redundancy may not be genuine.
Has your employer paid your final settlement?
All entitlements must be paid within 14 days.
How long had you been working when terminated?
UAE law caps probation at 6 months. If you were still being treated as “on probation” after 6 months, different rules apply.
Did your employer give you 14 days written notice?
Even during probation, UAE law requires 14 days written notice before termination.
Has your employer paid your final settlement?
You are owed any unpaid salary and accrued leave days.
Did you genuinely agree, or were you pressured into signing?
Some employers pressure employees into signing “mutual agreement” documents to avoid paying arbitrary dismissal compensation.
Has your employer paid your final settlement?
Even with mutual agreement, all entitlements (gratuity, leave, salary) must be paid within 14 days.
Issues Found
What you are entitled to
What to do next
Legal Disclaimer
This tool provides a general assessment based on UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. Every situation is unique. For claims exceeding AED 50,000 or involving criminal allegations, consult a qualified UAE labour lawyer. File complaints within 2 years of termination.