What must an employer pay when a worker dies in the UAE?
The worker's wages, other entitlements and end-of-service benefits. Article 15 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 says they can be handed to the family within ten days of the death or of the employer learning of it, and the employer bears the cost of preparing and transporting the body home if the family asks.
Who receives the money
The worker may name in writing the family member who should receive his rights. Where entitlements cannot be handed over, the Ministry may set a mechanism to hold them. Contractors with large foreign workforces should collect the nomination at onboarding.
If the death was caused by work
Article 37 adds compensation for the family equal to 24 months' basic wage, at least AED 18,000 and at most AED 200,000. It is in addition to gratuity and other entitlements.
How SupaJack Construct settles it
The final settlement calculates the last salary, accrued leave and gratuity in one place and posts them to the ledger, so the family receives a figure the accounts can prove.
Related tools and guides
See the UAE labour law guide for contractors, the final settlement calculator, the gratuity calculator, the annual leave calculator, the unpaid leave deduction calculator, payroll and WPS in SupaJack Construct, time and attendance and the meaning of basic salary.
Worked example
A steel erector with a basic wage of AED 1,500 dies in a site accident after four years. His family receives his unpaid wages, leave balance and gratuity of 84 days' basic wage, about AED 4,200, plus death compensation of 24 months' basic wage, AED 36,000.
Questions people ask
How quickly must entitlements be paid?
Article 15 sets ten days from the death or from when the employer learned of it.
Who pays to repatriate the body?
The employer, if the family requests it.
Can the worker choose a beneficiary?
Yes, in writing.