Unpaid salary action plan (UAE)
If your salary is late or unpaid, the first job is to put the record in order and find the right authority. Answer six questions and this tool builds a short action list: the records to collect, whether the matter looks time-sensitive, and the official channel to verify first.
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How it works
- You enter the amount, how long it has been unpaid, the emirate, whether the employer is mainland or in a free zone, your current status and the records you hold.
- It marks the matter as time-sensitive when pay is more than two months late, or when you have been terminated or visa cancellation is pending.
- It points mainland private-sector matters to the MoHRE complaint channel, and free-zone matters to the relevant free-zone authority, which is a different route. If you are not sure, it asks you to confirm that first.
- It lists the records that matter: the contract or offer, WPS or bank payment history, written salary requests, and any termination or visa notice.
Official sources
Check the current rules with the authority before relying on any result.
Related guide
Salary delayed or unpaid in the UAE? A calm first-response checklist
Related questions
What can I do if my employer has not paid my salary in the UAE?
You can file a labour complaint with MoHRE, free of charge, without a lawyer. MoHRE first attempts an amicable settlement between you and the employer; if that fails, the complaint is referred to the competent labour court. Filing is done through the MoHRE website or smart app.
Is there a deadline to claim unpaid salary in the UAE?
Yes. A claim must generally be brought within one year of the date the entitlement became due under the current UAE labour framework, and limitation rules have changed in recent years. Because a missed deadline can end an otherwise strong claim, confirm the current limitation period with MoHRE or a licensed professional before you rely on any figure.
What documents should I gather before filing a salary complaint?
Collect your employment contract, Emirates ID and passport copy, bank statements showing which months were paid, any payslips, and written messages where payment was promised or refused. A single dated list of what you were owed and what actually arrived is usually more persuasive than a large unsorted folder.
Limits
General information, not legal advice. This tool is a preparation aid built from the answers you enter. It does not decide your rights, set a binding amount or deadline, or replace the official authority. CaseDaleel is not a law firm and does not represent anyone. Verify the current requirements with the relevant authority, and take advice from an independently licensed professional before relying on any result for a live matter.
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