United Arab Emirates · employment

How to File a MOHRE Complaint for Unpaid Salary in the UAE

If your employer in the United Arab Emirates has failed to pay your wages, you do not have to accept it. Under UAE Labour Law, you have a clear administrative and legal framework to claim your unpaid salary through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). This guide outlines how to submit your complaint, gather your evidence, and take back control of your financial security.

What the UAE law says about unpaid wages

In the United Arab Emirates, your right to receive your salary in full and on time is protected under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (the UAE Labour Law). Specifically, Article 22 mandates that wages must be paid on their agreed due dates. Under the Wage Protection System (WPS) and Ministerial Resolution No. 598 of 2022, employers are granted a 10-day grace period after the payday, after which they are considered late, and are officially in default if salaries remain unpaid after 15 days.

If your employer defaults, Article 54 of the UAE Labour Law grants you the right to submit an official labour dispute to MOHRE. Since recent updates, MOHRE has the direct authority to issue final, binding, and enforceable decisions for financial claims valued up to AED 50,000. If your unpaid salary and entitlements exceed AED 50,000, MOHRE will attempt to resolve the issue amicably within 14 days, failing which they will issue a referral letter (NOC) so you can take the matter directly to the UAE Labour Court.

Gathering your evidence before filing

To make sure your MOHRE complaint is processed swiftly and resolved in your favor, you must gather all necessary supporting documentation. While the system is designed to protect workers, clear proof prevents employers from delaying the process with excuses. Do not rely on verbal promises from HR; you need a concrete paper trail.

Collect your official employment contract, your Emirates ID details, and your labor card number. You should also compile bank statements showing the exact months where salary transfers were missed or underpaid, along with any written communications—such as emails, WhatsApp messages, or Slack logs—where you requested your unpaid salary and your employer acknowledged the delay.

How to handle your dispute with confidence

Filing a legal claim against an employer who controls your visa and livelihood is incredibly stressful, but the law is firmly on your side, and MOHRE provides the tools to enforce it. Making sure your calculations, evidence, and filings are perfect will give you the confidence to stand up for what you are legally owed.

Before you take formal action, you can use Caunsel to research this issue, organize and save your evidence documents in a secure case file, or connect with an independent, licensed UAE lawyer to review your claim.

Steps

• Register on the MOHRE platform: Download the MOHRE smart app, visit the official MOHRE website, or call their Labor Claims and Advisory Center at 80084. If you use the app, log in using your UAE Pass to automatically retrieve your Emirates ID and employment contract details.
• Choose your complaint type: Decide whether to file a confidential 'My Salary Complaint' (where MOHRE's Labor Inspection Department investigates the employer anonymously to avoid retaliation) or a formal, personalized labor dispute to claim your specific outstanding salary and entitlements.
• Input employer and dispute details: Enter your employer's or HR's active mobile number, specify the exact dates and months of the unpaid wages, and upload your supporting evidence, such as bank statements and your employment contract.
• Participate in MOHRE mediation: Once submitted, a MOHRE legal advisor will contact both you and your employer to initiate mediation. If your claim is AED 50,000 or less and mediation fails, MOHRE will issue a binding decision. If it exceeds AED 50,000, they will refer the case to the Labour Court.

Common mistakes

• Filing after the statutory limitation period: Under Article 54 of the UAE Labour Law, you must file your claim within the statutory deadline (which is up to two years from the date the entitlement became due). Waiting too long means losing your right to claim.
• Accepting verbal promises to pay later: Many employers stretch out unpaid periods by promising payment 'next week.' Always get these promises in writing (email or text) to prevent the employer from arguing that you agreed to a wage reduction or deferment.
• Filing in the wrong jurisdiction: If you are employed by a company registered in a financial free zone (such as the DIFC or ADGM), MOHRE does not have jurisdiction. You must file through your respective free zone's dispute resolution office first.

Questions people ask

Can I work for another company while my MOHRE complaint is pending?

Yes. If your dispute is referred to the Labour Court, you can apply to MOHRE for a temporary work permit that allows you to work legally for another employer for up to six months while your case is being resolved.

How much does it cost to file a MOHRE salary complaint or take it to court?

Filing a complaint with MOHRE is completely free. If the dispute is referred to the Labour Court, employees are exempt from paying court fees for claims valued under AED 100,000.

What happens if my employer ignores the MOHRE complaint or mediation call?

If the employer ignores MOHRE's communications, MOHRE will proceed with the case. For claims under AED 50,000, MOHRE can issue an enforceable binding decision in your favor. For larger claims, they will refer the case to the Labour Court.

General information only, last updated 2026-09-15. Caunsel is not a law firm and does not practise law. AI answers and this guide are not legal advice. Verify filings, deadlines, and statutes with a licensed lawyer in United Arab Emirates.