How to file a complaint for unpaid or delayed salaries in the UAE
Employees must use channels like MOHRE and Dubai Police to resolve salary disputes
Dubai: If you are an employee in the UAE facing issues with unpaid or delayed salaries, and your employer has not resolved the matter despite your efforts, you should escalate the issue to the authorities by filing a labour complaint. Employers are legally obligated to pay wages on the due date, and failure to do so is a violation of UAE Labour Law
Where to file a labour complaint
1. Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
Employees can submit a confidential complaint to MOHRE regarding their employer’s failure to pay wages on time. The complainant’s identity will not be disclosed to the employer, ensuring privacy and protection for the employee.
2. Dubai Police
Employees can also file a labour complaint with Dubai Police. This option allows individuals or groups to report issues related to wages, working conditions, and labour accommodations. The objective is to ensure compliance with security and safety requirements.
When should I receive my salary?
As per UAE labour law, an employee’s wages are due from the first day of the month following the end of the wage period specified in the employment contract. If no wage period is mentioned in the contract, the employee must be paid at least once a month. Employers are considered in default if salaries are not paid within 15 days after the due date, unless a shorter period is agreed upon in the contract.
What is the Wage Protection System (WPS)?
Private sector employers in the UAE must pay salaries through the Wages Protection System (WPS) to avoid penalties and fines. All employers registered with MOHRE are required to subscribe to WPS and process wage payments via authorised banks or financial institutions under the supervision of the Central Bank of the UAE.
Penalties for companies not paying salaries on time
Under Ministerial Resolution No. (43) of 2022 – Regarding Wages Protection System, companies that fail to pay salaries on time face severe consequences, including:
Administrative fines
Suspension of new work permit issuance
Further legal action
How to file a salary complaint
Through MOHRE
If you have experienced salary-related issues such as delays or non-payment, you can file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Here’s how you can do so using their app:
Download the MOHRE app - The MOHRE app is available for both iOS and Android devices. Download and install the app on your smartphone.
Sign in to your account - Open the app and sign in using your MOHRE or UAE Pass account. If you don’t have an account, tap ‘Sign Up’ to create one. You’ll need to register using your Emirates ID, passport number, or labour card number.
Access the ‘My Salary’ option - Once logged in, navigate to the ‘Favourite Services’ section and select ‘My Salary’.
Apply for the service - Tap ‘Apply for this Service’ to begin the complaint process.
Enter your mobile number - Provide your mobile number for communication regarding your complaint.
Select the relevant salary period - Choose the months within the past year during which your salary was delayed.
Specify the type of complaint - Select the appropriate complaint type from the following options:
Salary delayed by 15 days, one month, or more than two months.
Unauthorised salary deductions.
Non-payment of overtime wages.
Submit your complaint - Once all the necessary details are entered, submit your complaint for review.
Through Dubai Police
Before proceeding with a labour complaint, ensure you meet the following criteria:
No existing complaints - You must not have any complaints filed with MOHRE or a pending labour lawsuit in the labour court.
Dubai residency - Your residency must be issued by Dubai.
Employment documentation - You must have a valid employment contract or work permit, documented and approved by MoHRE or other official authorities such as a Dubai Free Zone.
Clean legal record - There must be no criminal reports filed against you, nor any escape report filed by your sponsor.
Legal employment - You must not have worked illegally for the employer (e.g. working on a tourist or visit visa).
Legitimate employment - Your work must be part of a legal and approved activity in the UAE, and should not contravene UAE laws.
If you meet all the above conditions, you can proceed with filing your complaint.
Download the Dubai Police app - Open the app and navigate to the ‘Services’ section.
Select ‘Community services’: Scroll down until you find this option and select ‘File a Labour Complaint’.
Enter your details: Provide your Emirates ID number, mobile number, and email address.
Company and complaint details: Enter the name of your employer and the details of your complaint.
Submit the complaint: Once you've filled in all the required information, click 'Submit'.
You will receive a reference number via email and SMS to track the progress of your complaint.
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