How many days can an employer delay salary in UAE?

Employers must pay salaries within the agreed-upon date. If salary is delayed by more than 15 days, the employer is in violation of the Wage Protection System and you can file a MOHRE complaint.

Can I stop working if my salary is not paid?

You cannot simply stop working without following proper procedures. However, if salary is delayed significantly, you can file a MOHRE complaint and request termination of contract with full benefits, including notice period compensation.

What happens to the employer if they don't pay salary?

MOHRE can impose fines, suspend the company's ability to hire new employees, and ultimately refer the matter to criminal prosecution. Persistent salary violations can result in company closure.

Unpaid Salary in UAE: What to Do If Your Employer Doesn't Pay

Unpaid wages are one of the most common labour complaints in the UAE. If your employer hasn't paid your salary, you have strong legal protections. Here's exactly what to do.

Your Rights Under the Wage Protection System (WPS)

The UAE's Wage Protection System requires all employers to pay salaries through approved banks and exchange houses. Key rules:

Salaries must be paid on the agreed date (usually the last day of the month)
If no date is specified, salary is due within 15 days of the end of the pay period
MOHRE's system automatically flags employers who are late
Employers with delayed payments face restrictions on hiring and visa processing

Step 1: Document the Non-Payment

Keep copies of your employment contract showing your agreed salary
Take screenshots of your bank statements showing no salary deposits
Save any communications with your employer about the delay (emails, messages)
Note the exact dates when payments were missed

Step 2: Communicate With Your Employer

Send a formal written request (email or letter) to your employer asking for payment. This creates a record. State:

The amount owed
The period(s) for which salary is unpaid
A reasonable deadline for payment (e.g., 7 days)
That you will file a MOHRE complaint if not resolved

Step 3: File a MOHRE Complaint

If your employer doesn't respond or pay:

Download the MOHRE app or visit mohre.gov.ae
Log in with UAE PASS
Select "Labour Complaint" → "Non-payment of wages"
Upload your supporting documents
MOHRE will contact your employer within 2 working days

Step 4: Mediation and Legal Action

MOHRE will first attempt mediation. If that fails:

Your case is referred to the labour court
Claims under AED 100,000 are court-fee exempt
The court can order immediate payment plus compensation
You may be entitled to terminate your contract with full benefits (considered constructive dismissal)

Special Situations

Company Claims "Financial Difficulties"

Financial difficulties don't exempt employers from paying wages. The law is clear: employees are priority creditors. Even in bankruptcy proceedings, employee wages take precedence.

Partial Payment

If your employer pays only part of your salary, the same complaint process applies for the unpaid portion. Document the amount received vs. what's owed.

After Termination

If you've been terminated and haven't received your final settlement (last salary + gratuity + unused leave), file a complaint within 1 year of your last working day.

Penalties for Employers

Fines ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 50,000 per employee
Suspension of hiring privileges
Downgrading of company classification
Criminal prosecution in severe cases