What to Do if Your Salary is Delayed in the UAE?

Overview:
Salary delays happen to workers across construction, hospitality, retail, and other sectors in the UAE. Understanding your legal protections and the steps to take makes a real difference. This guide covers UAE labour law on delayed salaries, the 15-day payment rule, how to file a free MOHRE complaint, what happens during mediation and court processes, employer penalties, and practical prevention tips.

It’s the end of the month, and your salary didn’t arrive on time. While many workers in the UAE face this, the good news is that UAE labour laws provide clear protections. If your employer hasn’t paid your salary within 15 days of the due date, you have legal rights. This guide walks you through what to do if your salary is delayed, from speaking to HR to filing a MOHRE complaint, understanding mediation, and knowing when to escalate to court. Every step is free, and your visa remains valid throughout the process.

What UAE Labour Law Says When Salary Is Delayed

Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021: Under this, employers must pay full salaries within 15 days after the due date. If your payday is on the first of the month, the employer is officially late if payment hasn’t reached you by the 16th. All UAE employers must use the Wage Protection System (WPS), which is an electronic system developed by the UAE Central Bank that tracks every salary payment. This means your salary is monitored, and MOHRE can see if an employer is late.

Ministerial Resolution No. 598 of 2022: This law sets penalties for companies that miss payment deadlines. These start at 16 days after the due date and escalate the longer the delay continues. The law protects you in other ways too: you can request permission from MOHRE to change jobs if your salary is repeatedly delayed, and your visa status stays valid while a labour dispute is active.

Steps To Follow When Your Salary is Delayed

Before filing a formal complaint, contact your HR or finance department. Many delays happen due to administrative errors, like bank system issues, incorrect account numbers, or processing delays, and are resolved quickly once raised. Approach your employer within 1–2 days of the missed payment.

Step 2: Collect Proof of Non-Payment

You need documents to show that payment is late. So, gather:

• Bank statements showing no salary deposit on the due date
• Salary slips or WPS logs (if available from previous months)
• Your labour contract (the signed copy with payment terms)
• Emirates ID and passport copy
• Any written communication with HR or your employer (emails, WhatsApp screenshots)

If your employer gave you a cheque that bounced, keep the bounced cheque notice from your bank. If you don’t have recent salary slips, note the months where payment was delayed or missing.

Step 3: Escalate to Labour Court if Needed

If mediation fails, MOHRE refers your case to the Labour Court with a memo summarising the dispute, evidence from both sides, and comments from the labour department. You do not need to take separate action; the referral is automatic.

Labour Court judgements are typically issued rather quickly. Workers are exempt from paying judicial fees at all stages for claims under AED 100,000. This includes filing, hearings, and enforcement. You also do not need a lawyer for claims under this amount.

The court may order the employer to pay the following:

• Unpaid wages for all delayed months
• Unpaid overtime or allowances
• End-of-service benefits if you resigned due to non-payment
• Compensation for delays

How to File a MOHRE Complaint?

Filing a MOHRE complaint is free and confidential; your employer will not know your identity when MOHRE contacts them. You can file it through:

• MOHRE mobile app (available on iOS and Android)
• MOHRE website eServices at mohre.gov.ae
• Call centre: Dial 80084 (toll-free) or 600-590-000.
• Tawjeeh centres (in-person service centres)

To submit a complaint online or via the app:

• Enter your passport number, name, date of birth, and nationality.
• MOHRE will share a one-time password (OTP) via SMS or email to verify your identity.
• Once logged in, describe your complaint, attach the relevant documents and submit.

Note: There are no fees at any stage. The complaint is logged immediately, and MOHRE begins the resolution process.

What Happens During MOHRE Mediation

MOHRE aims to resolve individual salary complaints within 14 days of submission. Once you file the complaint, MOHRE contacts your employer to request payment or clarify the delay. If the complaint appears valid, the Labour Inspection Department may visit your workplace to investigate.

Three possible outcomes:

• Amicable settlement: The employer agrees to pay, and the case is closed.
• MOHRE decision: For claims under AED 50,000, MOHRE can issue a final, legally binding decision ordering payment.
• Court referral: For claims over AED 50,000 or if no agreement is reached, MOHRE issues a No Objection Certificate (NOC), making it possible for you to pursue the case in court.

Note: Most cases are resolved during mediation. If yours moves to court, MOHRE automatically refers it with all evidence and a summary of findings.

Employer Penalties for Salary Delays

UAE law penalises employers who delay salaries. The penalties escalate based on how long the delay lasts and the size of the company.

For companies that submit incorrect salary information to evade obligations, fines reach up to AED 50,000. These penalties apply to the employer, not to you as a worker. They are separate from any compensation you may receive through mediation or court.

Tips to Prevent Future Salary Delays

While you cannot control your employer’s actions, you can reduce your financial vulnerability:

• Check WPS compliance before joining a company: Ask during your interview whether the company uses WPS. You can verify this through MOHRE’s company checker.
• Add clear payment terms to your contract: Ensure your labour contract states the exact salary amount, payment date, and payment method.
• Maintain an emergency fund: Build and maintain an emergency fund covering 2–3 months of living expenses to buffer against payment delays.

Best Course of Action
If you are already experiencing repeated delays, consider requesting a job change through MOHRE while your complaint is active. Your visa will remain valid, and you are legally protected during the transition.

Wrapping Up

UAE labour law gives you real protections when your salary is delayed. The 15-day WPS rule, access to MOHRE complaint channels, and court fee waivers ensure that employees have clear, accessible pathways to resolve issues—regardless of income level or employment sector. If your salary is late, document it, speak to HR first, and file a MOHRE complaint if the issue continues. The process is confidential, free, and designed to protect workers like you.

Explore how myZoi supports financial access and literacy for workers in the UAE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I change jobs if my salary is delayed?
Yes. If your employer repeatedly delays salary, you can request permission from MOHRE to change jobs. Your visa remains valid during the labour dispute, and MOHRE may approve the transfer if delays are confirmed.

Q2: Will my visa be affected if I file a MOHRE complaint?
No. Your visa status remains valid while the labour dispute is active. UAE law protects you from visa cancellation during this period. Filing a complaint does not put your residency at risk.

Q3: Is the MOHRE complaint process confidential?
Yes. MOHRE does not disclose your identity to your employer when they begin the investigation. The process is designed to protect workers from retaliation while resolving the dispute.
Yes. If funds do not reach employee accounts by the required date, it is considered a late payment — regardless of when it was processed internally. Direct deposit timing and WPS transfer timelines matter for compliance purposes.

Q4: Can I claim unpaid overtime in a salary delay complaint?
Yes. If your employer owes you unpaid overtime in addition to a delayed salary, include this in your MOHRE complaint. The court can order payment for all unpaid wages, allowances, and overtime.

Q5: What if my company shuts down or leaves the UAE?
If your employer closes or absconds, file a MOHRE complaint immediately. MOHRE will investigate, and if the employer cannot be located, your case may be referred to court for enforcement. Workers may also be eligible for compensation through the Labour Market Regulatory Authority in certain cases.