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. The rules were tightened significantly on 1 June 2026, when Ministerial Resolution No. 340 of 2026 came into force and repealed the previous Resolution 598 of 2022. Key rules now:

• Wages for the preceding Gregorian month are due on the 1st of each month
• There is no grace period — your salary is legally delayed from the 2nd
• The WPS compliance threshold has risen from 80% to 85%
• MOHRE's system automatically flags employers who are late
• Employers with delayed payments face restrictions on hiring and visa processing

If you have read that employers get 15 days before a salary counts as late, that was the old position under Resolution 598/2022. It no longer applies.

What MOHRE Does to a Late Employer — Day by Day

You do not have to wait for any of this before complaining, but it is useful to know the pressure your employer is already under:

• Day 2 onwards: warnings are issued to the employer
• Day 5: new work permits are suspended
• Day 11: administrative fines, plus reclassification of the company to the Third Category
• Day 16: a labour dispute is registered automatically and work permits are suspended — this applies to employers with 25 or more staff (or groups of companies collectively at 25 or more) in sectors such as construction, security and cleaning
• Day 21: precautionary attachment of company assets, travel bans on the responsible individuals, and referral to the Public Prosecutor

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:

1. Download the MOHRE app or visit mohre.gov.ae
2. Log in with UAE PASS
3. Select "Labour Complaint" → "Non-payment of wages"
4. Upload your supporting documents
5. 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

Related Resources

• How to File a MOHRE Complaint
• Calculate Your End-of-Service Gratuity
• MOHRE Complaint Guide