Payment after going AWOl

[Bina]

Our househelp who had been working with us for five years had a three day
leave. He failed to report back to work on the agreed date and did not
inform us on any reason. We did not get any information from him on the
reasons for his continued absence from work. We therefore
assumed that he had found work elsewhere and had no choice but to look for
someone else to assist in the household. After two months we eventually
found out, that he is under new employment. He also has an outstanding loan
with us. Now he is contacting us out of the blue and demands we pay him
gratuity for the five years he worked with us. Bearing in mind that he
terminated the work with us without giving notice or any other information,
is he entitled to any payment?