Conflict Emergency Guidance

Last updated: March 6, 2026. Conflict status: Active. Information updated regularly.

This page provides general guidance only. Always consult your embassy and a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

Emergency EOSB Rights — UAE & KSA

If your employment has ended — or may end — due to the 2026 conflict, you have legal rights to your End of Service Benefit. Here's what you need to know.

Critical: War does NOT eliminate your EOSB entitlement

Force majeure (acts of war, civil unrest) does not extinguish statutory EOSB rights under UAE or KSA labour law. Your entitlement exists regardless of why the employment ended. Employers cannot use the conflict as a reason to withhold your EOSB.

Was your employment terminated due to the conflict?

If your employer terminated your contract due to the conflict situation — whether through redundancy, office closure, or force majeure — you are entitled to full EOSB as if terminated by the employer.

• UAE: Full gratuity (21 days/yr years 1–5, 30 days/yr years 5+)
• KSA: Full entitlement (0.5 months/yr years 1–5, 1 month/yr years 5+)
• No resignation penalty applies in either country
• Plus: unused annual leave + notice period if applicable

Calculate UAE EOSB Calculate KSA EOSB

Did you self-evacuate (resign)?

This is more complex — but you are still entitled to EOSB.

UAE:

Since the 2021 law reform, there is no resignation penalty in UAE. You receive the same EOSB whether you resign or are terminated. Minimum 1 year of service required.

KSA:

Resignation reductions apply unless you can show the employer constructively dismissed you (made conditions untenable). Seek legal advice if you believe your employer created unsafe working conditions.

• 2–5 years service: 1/3 of full entitlement
• 5–10 years service: 2/3 of full entitlement
• 10+ years service: full entitlement

Legal argument: If your employer issued a force majeure notice, this may constitute employer-initiated termination rather than voluntary resignation — consult a labour lawyer.

My employer's office is closed — how do I claim?

UAE:

Send a written EOSB demand to your employer's registered email
If no response within 7 days, file a complaint at mohre.gov.ae
MoHRE will investigate and can compel payment or refer to labour court

MoHRE Complaint Portal

KSA:

File a complaint through the HRSD Musaned platform or Qiwa app
HRSD will mediate. If unresolved, labour court can order payment
Check your Absher app for any visa/work permit notices

HRSD Musaned Platform

Visa grace period — how long do I have?

UAE

30 days from employment visa cancellation. Extendable to 60 days via ICA (icp.gov.ae). During this period you can stay, transfer to a new employer, or exit.

Saudi Arabia

Final Exit Visa: Must exit within 60 days of issue. Check Absher app for your exit visa status. Overstay fines apply after the grace period.

I haven't been paid — what are the deadlines?

UAE

Your employer must pay all final dues within 14 days of your last working day. After 14 days, this constitutes a breach and you can file with MoHRE immediately.

Saudi Arabia

Final dues must be paid within 7 days of your last working day. After 7 days, file through HRSD Qiwa or Musaned.

UK Expats: Critical Tax Timing Warning

If you are a UK national, your EOSB may be tax-free if received before you resume UK tax residency. Once you return to the UK and become UK tax resident, EOSB received after that date may be subject to UK income tax at your marginal rate (20%, 40%, or 45%).

Consider receiving your EOSB before returning to the UK permanently. Consult an expat tax advisor — this timing could save you thousands.