Wrongful Termination UAE: How to Get Compensation
If you were fired unfairly, you have the right to claim compensation through the UAE legal system. The key to winning your case is evidence. Here is how to build your case, what evidence you need, and how the court process works from start to finish.
Step 1: Secure Your Evidence Immediately
The moment you are terminated — or suspect you are about to be — start preserving evidence. Do not wait. Evidence gets deleted, access gets revoked, and memories fade.
Step 2: File With MoHRE (Mandatory First Step)
You cannot go directly to court. UAE law requires you to first file a complaint with MoHRE, which triggers mandatory mediation. File through the MoHRE app, website, or by calling 600 590 000.
Important: You must file within one year of your termination date. After that, your claim is time-barred and you lose the right to compensation.
Step 3: Mediation Session
Within 14 days, MoHRE schedules mediation. This is your first chance to negotiate. Many cases settle at this stage because employers want to avoid court.
- Bring all original documents — contract, termination letter, bank statements
- Prepare a clear timeline of events leading to your termination
- Calculate exactly what you are owed (use our contract checker to help)
- Be prepared to negotiate but know your minimum acceptable amount
- If the offer is too low, you can reject and proceed to court
Step 4: Labour Court Process
If mediation fails, MoHRE refers your case to court within 2 working days. Here is what to expect:
Case Filing
MoHRE transfers your file to the labour court. You receive a case number and hearing date.
First Hearing
Usually 2-4 weeks after referral. The judge reviews the complaint and may ask questions.
Evidence Submission
Both parties submit all documents. The judge may request additional evidence.
Subsequent Hearings
Typically 2-4 hearings over 2-4 months, depending on complexity.
Judgment
The court issues a binding decision. If you win, the employer must pay within 30 days.
Appeal (Optional)
Either party can appeal within 30 days. Appeals take an additional 2-3 months.
What You Can Claim
Build Your Case — Start With Your Contract
Upload your employment contract and we will calculate your full entitlement — including gratuity, notice pay, leave, and Article 47 compensation. This gives you exact numbers for your MoHRE complaint.
Check Your ContractFrequently Asked Questions
What is wrongful termination in UAE?
Wrongful termination covers any dismissal that violates UAE labour law or your employment contract terms. This includes arbitrary dismissal (no valid reason), illegal termination (violating specific protections), termination without proper notice, and dismissal that breaches contractual terms. The UAE courts treat all these as grounds for compensation.
What evidence do I need for a wrongful termination case?
Key evidence includes: your employment contract, termination letter or message, salary slips/bank statements, any written warnings (or proof of their absence), communication with your employer, MoHRE complaint records, medical certificates (if relevant), and witness statements from colleagues. Digital evidence like WhatsApp messages and emails are accepted by UAE courts.
How long does a wrongful termination court case take?
After mandatory MoHRE mediation (14 days), if the case goes to labour court, expect 3-6 months for a first-instance judgment. Appeals can take another 2-3 months. Urgent cases involving unpaid wages may be expedited. The total process from filing to final judgment is typically 4-9 months.
Can I get my job back after wrongful termination?
UAE labour courts generally do not order reinstatement (getting your job back). Instead, they award financial compensation — up to 3 months salary for arbitrary dismissal plus all unpaid entitlements. The focus is on monetary remedies rather than forced rehiring.
Do I need a lawyer for a wrongful termination case?
For MoHRE mediation, a lawyer is not required. For labour court, legal representation is strongly recommended but not mandatory. Workers earning below AED 8,000/month may qualify for free legal aid through the Abu Dhabi or Dubai legal aid programs. Some employment lawyers work on a contingency basis for strong cases.