Losing a job can be overwhelming, but the UAE has introduced clear protections and benefits to support workers during this difficult time.
Under the UAE Labour Law, Federal Decree Law No 33 of 2021, private-sector employees are guaranteed several financial and legal entitlements to ensure a smoother transition after employment ends.
One of the key benefits is the end-of-service gratuity, a financial payment awarded to employees who have completed at least one year of service. This amount is calculated based on the employee’s basic salary and duration of employment.
Workers with one to five years of service receive 21 days’ basic salary per year, while those with more than five years receive 30 days’ salary for each additional year.
However, the total gratuity cannot exceed two years’ salary. Employers are required to clear all dues within 14 days, and delays can be reported to Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
In addition, some employees may benefit from the alternative end-of-service savings scheme, which replaces traditional gratuity with an investment-based fund.
Under this system, employers contribute monthly to approved funds, allowing employees to receive returns when their job ends, while previously earned gratuity remains protected.
Another major relief is the Involuntary Loss of Employment ILOE scheme, which offers up to three months of financial support for workers who lose their jobs involuntarily. To qualify, employees must have been subscribed for at least 12 consecutive months and must not have resigned or been dismissed for misconduct. Claims must be filed within 30 days of job loss.
Workers are also entitled to receive their full salary during their notice period, which typically ranges between 30 and 90 days, depending on the contract terms.
Beyond financial support, the UAE ensures additional benefits for affected workers. Employers must cover repatriation flight costs if the employee is leaving the country, provide an official experience certificate, and cannot cancel a work permit until all dues are settled.
After visa cancellation, employees are given a grace period, usually around one month or more, to either find a new job, transfer their visa, or exit the country.
UAE announces update for Golden Visa holders
The UAE earlier rolled out a major update to its Golden Visa programme, introducing expanded emergency support services for visa holders stranded abroad, particularly amid rising regional tensions linked to the US-Israel Iran conflict.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), authorities have facilitated the return of around 500 Golden Visa holders and residents through coordinated air and land operations, working closely with UAE diplomatic missions worldwide.
The move builds on a key decision taken in October 2025, when the UAE expanded its crisis response services to include Golden Visa holders—benefits that were previously limited to Emirati nationals. The initiative highlights the country’s commitment to providing enhanced protection and support to long-term residents.
Key services for Golden Visa holders
Under the updated framework, Golden Visa holders can now access a range of emergency services designed to assist them during crises abroad:
- Emergency electronic return document: Individuals who lose or damage their passports overseas can apply for a temporary travel document to return to the UAE.
- 24/7 MoFA hotline: A dedicated helpline (+971 2 493 1133) is available round the clock for urgent assistance and inquiries.
- Crisis and evacuation support: UAE missions abroad will include Golden Visa holders in evacuation plans during emergencies and disasters.
These services may also extend to immediate family members, including spouses and children, provided they are registered as dependents with valid UAE residence permits.
Also read: UAE resumes special flight operation
