When can I file a MOHRE complaint for unpaid salary?

You can file the moment your salary is overdue. There is no 15-day waiting period for personal filings. That said, sending a written reminder with a clear deadline before filing strengthens your case — MOHRE will ask whether you tried to resolve it directly first.

Does MOHRE handle DIFC and ADGM employees?

No. DIFC employees file at the DIFC Courts. ADGM employees file at the ADGM Courts. Both have their own employment laws and dispute resolution forums; MOHRE will not accept their cases. Other free zones (JAFZA, RAKEZ, Hamriyah, SAIF, Dubai South, etc.) operate under federal law and are handled by MOHRE.

Is there a time limit on filing a MOHRE complaint?

UAE labour claims must generally be filed within 2 years of the dispute date. Older claims are usually refused, with narrow exceptions for fraud or ongoing breaches. Even if you have left the UAE, the 2-year clock applies — but you can still file remotely.

What if my dispute is more than AED 100,000?

MOHRE attempts settlement for claims of any size, but unresolved cases are referred to the labour court. Court fees are waived for claims under AED 100,000. Above that threshold, fees apply but the case is otherwise handled the same way.

Free Tool

MOHRE Complaint Eligibility Checker

Answer 5 questions to find out whether you can file a UAE labour complaint today, which authority handles your case, and what the next step is.

Question 1 of 5

What is the issue?

Question 2 of 5

Where is your employer based?

Check your trade licence or contract — the licensing authority is named at the top.

Question 3 of 5

How long has the issue been unresolved?

Question 4 of 5

Have you raised this with your employer in writing?

An email, formal letter, or WhatsApp message counts.

Question 5 of 5

Approximate amount in dispute (AED)

Your result

Your next steps:

This tool gives general information about UAE labour law and is not a substitute for legal advice. For complex disputes, consult a qualified UAE labour lawyer.