Know How to Calculate Gratuity in UAE As Per the Laws

Rules that Define How Much Gratuity You Will Get After Leaving the Job

Everyone knows that working in the UAE brings tons of benefits. It is not just about getting a good monthly salary, but the other incentives that comes along with it. One of them is the gratuity, better known as the monetary benefit you get after leaving a job in the UAE. All the employers in the UAE are liable to give gratuity, because it is binded by the government law. This is one of those features that not only brings job security, but also a great added incentive for all the national and foreign workers. 

So, people who are working in the UAE always think about gratuity at some point. Though not all of them could calculate it perfectly, but still they want to anticipate the amount somehow. The calculation of gratuity is not that hard if you are well versed with the idea of basic and gross salary. Furthermore, you should know what is one-third or two-third of your basic salary. Combining them, you can get an idea about the gratuity, as how much it will be at the end of your employment with any software development company or other organization.

If you are still unsure how to calculate this amount properly, read this blog in detail. It will let you know the correct method of calculating gratuity as per the laws of the UAE government. Let’s first start from the basics understanding the core definition of gratuity below.

What is Gratuity?

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Gratuity refers to a monetary benefit given by an employer to an employee as a form of appreciation for the employee’s service and dedication to the organization. It is typically provided at the end of an individual’s employment tenure, often upon retirement or resignation. The amount of gratuity is usually based on factors such as the duration of the employee’s service and their last drawn salary. Many countries have established legal frameworks to govern gratuity payments, such as the UAE.

In essence, gratuity serves as a financial recognition of an employee’s long-term commitment and loyalty to their employer. It is designed to act as a financial cushion for employees as they transition out of the workforce. The specific rules and regulations regarding gratuity vary from country to country, and in some cases, they may also vary within different regions or states. Employers are generally obligated to adhere to these regulations, ensuring that employees receive their rightful gratuity benefits.

Many software development companies in the UAE often view gratuity as an essential component of their overall compensation package, providing them with a sense of financial security and acknowledgment for their years of service. As a result, understanding the gratuity structure and entitlements becomes crucial for both employers and employees, fostering a positive employer-employee relationship and contributing to a more stable and appreciative work environment.

Importance of Gratuity

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Gratuity holds significant benefits for employees, serving as a form of financial security and reward for their long-term commitment to an organization. One of the primary advantages is the financial assistance it provides during transitional phases in an employee’s life, such as retirement or resignation. This lump sum payment, can help employees meet various financial obligations, including housing, healthcare, and other personal needs, ensuring a smoother transition into the next phase of their life.

Moreover, gratuity acts as a motivational factor for employees, encouraging loyalty and dedication to their jobs. Knowing that their years of service will be acknowledged and rewarded upon departure, employees are likely to feel more invested in their roles, leading to increased job satisfaction and commitment. This positive reinforcement can contribute to a healthier work environment, fostering a sense of mutual respect and appreciation between employers and employees.

Furthermore, gratuity often plays a crucial role in an individual’s retirement planning. As employees accumulate years of service, the gratuity amount can become a substantial part of their retirement plan, supplementing other retirement savings and pensions. This financial support enhances the overall well-being of retirees, allowing them to enjoy their post-employment years with greater peace of mind and financial stability.

Factors That Are Important for Gratuity

Gratuity is undoubtedly a good incentive given to the workers at the end of their employment. However, it is not a free cheque that could be availed without doing much hard work. There are some factors that impacts on your overall gratuity. So, it is important to know about them as that helps precisely in calculating the final amount.

Here are the factors that defines how much you will get at the end of the employment.

  • Type of contract you are engaged in with the company.
  • Total number of years you have served in the company.
  • Basic reason of leaving the company.
  • Notice period served at the end of the employment.
  • Basic salary defined in your job offer letter.

Types of Employment Contracts

Employment contract

In adherence to the provisions outlined in the UAE Labor Law, the legislation recognizes two distinct types of employment contracts: the limited-term contract and the unlimited term contract. Each of them carry specific implications for end-of-service gratuity and termination conditions.

Limited-term contracts explicitly specify both the commencement and conclusion dates of the employment period. These contracts automatically expire if not renewed, making them well-suited for scenarios where an employer requires staff for particular projects or a predetermined duration. The termination process for limited-term contracts is directly linked to the contract’s expiration date.

On the other hand, unlimited term contracts in the UAE offer a more open-ended and flexible employment arrangement. Such contracts lack a predefined end date, providing greater adaptability to the ongoing needs of the employer. Termination of an unlimited term contract can occur either through mutual consent or by providing notice, typically ranging from one to three months.

How to Calculate Gratuity in UAE?

Calculating gratuity is not a difficult task if you know the factors that have been discussed above. However, some people often get confused due to the infusion of two categories (limited and unlimited contract) in this case. If you are also one of them, take a look at the explanation given below.

Limited Contract

Upon the termination of employment, an employee who has completed one year or more of continuous service becomes eligible for end-of-service gratuity. Notably, any days of unpaid absence from work will not be factored into the calculation of the service period. The gratuity itself is determined based on the following criteria:

  • For employees with a service duration exceeding one year but less than five years, the entitlement is to receive full gratuity pay, computed at a rate of 21 days’ salary for each year of service.
  • Employees who have served for more than five years qualify for full gratuity equivalent to 30 days’ salary for each year of service beyond the initial five years.

It is imperative to highlight that irrespective of the duration of service, the cumulative gratuity should not surpass the equivalent of two years’ wages.

Unlimited Contact

In a scenario in which a web development company in the UAE or any other organization decides to terminate an unlimited contract, the computation of gratuity follows these guidelines:

  • For employees with a service duration of more than one year but less than five years, they are eligible for 21 calendar days’ basic salary for each year worked within the initial five years.
  • For employees who have served for more than five years, the entitlement extends to 30 calendar days’ basic salary for each additional year of service, with the condition that the overall compensation does not exceed the equivalent of two years’ pay.

Most of the people working in the UAE are following the unlimited contract. So, they can find the above defined rules helpful in calculating their final gratuity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is employment gratuity?
Gratuity refers to the final amount you receive at the end of the employment. It is a monetary compensation an organization give to the employee once he/she decides to leave the company.
What are the benefits of gratuity?
Gratuity provides financial security for employees, serving as a lump-sum reward based on their years of service. It also acts as a motivator, fostering loyalty and job satisfaction among employees.
How much gratuity you will get while working in the UAE?
The final gratuity amount depends on various factors. First, it depends on your employment contract, then the number of years you have served in an organization. Afterwards, the amount of your basic salary will determine how much gratuity you will get in the end.

Final Words

That brings us to the end of this blog in which we have discussed how to calculate gratuity in the UAE. It is very important for every employee to know about gratuity. This monetary leverage has been officially given to the citizens and expatriates of the UAE by the government, so they should have a complete knowledge about it. This blog has discussed different points related to the gratuity in detail, allowing everyone to understand how to calculate their monetary compensation at the end of the employment.

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