Salary, leave and deductions

How unpaid absence affects UAE gratuity

Unpaid absence can reduce the eligible service period, but it should not be confused with approved paid leave, weekends or an ordinary payroll adjustment.

Reviewed: 26 July 2026Educational guidance, not legal advice

Request an absence record

Ask HR for the dates and category of every day removed from gratuity service. A total number without dates is hard to verify.

Distinguish paid and unpaid leave

Annual leave, paid sick leave and public holidays are not automatically unpaid absence. Check the payroll and leave classification.

Recalculate the service period

Remove verified unpaid-absence days from the calendar service period, then apply the appropriate gratuity bands.

Dispute classification separately

If the number of days is accepted but the classification is disputed, record both positions and preserve payslips and approvals.

Questions to ask HR or payroll

  1. Which dates are classified as unpaid?
  2. What payroll code was used?
  3. Was the leave approved as paid?
  4. Did HR remove the days from both salary and gratuity?
  5. Can I see the attendance ledger?

Frequently asked questions

Does annual leave reduce gratuity service?

Approved paid annual leave is not the same as unpaid absence.

Can unpaid sick leave affect the service period?

It may require review under the applicable rules and records. Confirm the classification and dates.

Should absence be estimated?

Use verified HR and payroll records wherever possible.

Official sources used

Rules can change and facts can be disputed. Review the source that applies to your jurisdiction and current circumstances.

Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and amendmentsUAE GovernmentEnd-of-service benefits for workers in the private sector