How long does a MOHRE salary complaint take?

Most cases reach a settlement meeting within 15 working days; court referral adds another 10 days if needed.

Can I work for another employer while my case runs?

After two months of unpaid salary you can request a free transfer of sponsorship without your current employer’s approval.

Is there a deadline to file an unpaid salary claim?

You must file within one year from the date each salary payment became due.

Unpaid Salary in UAE: What to Do Step by Step

Check your contract and payment records first

Start by confirming the exact amount due and the dates it should have been paid. Open your MOHRE app or portal and download the contract, salary slips, and WPS transfer history. Note the contract start date, job title, and agreed monthly salary in AED. Keep copies of any WhatsApp messages or emails where the employer acknowledged the delay.

Understand WPS rules in 2026

The Wage Protection System requires private-sector employers to pay salaries through approved banks or exchange houses within seven days of the due date. If no payment appears by day eight, the employer receives an automatic warning from MOHRE. After 15 days of non-payment the company is flagged and cannot apply for new visas or renew existing ones until the issue is resolved.

File a complaint with MOHRE

Log into the MOHRE smart services portal or visit any MOHRE customer happiness centre. Select “Labour complaint” and choose “Unpaid wages.” Upload your contract, last three payslips, and a short statement in English or Arabic. The filing fee is AED 100 and is refunded if MOHRE rules in your favour. You will receive a reference number and an appointment within five working days.

Attend the first settlement meeting

MOHRE will schedule a conciliation session with your employer. Bring original documents and a printed copy of the complaint. Most salary cases settle here with a signed payment plan. If the employer fails to attend or refuses to pay, MOHRE issues a formal referral letter to the labour court within ten days.

Proceed to labour court if needed

Take the referral letter to the competent court in your emirate. File the case; the court fee is AED 5 percent of the claimed amount, capped at AED 20,000. Hearings are usually scheduled within three weeks. The court can order immediate payment plus 9 percent annual interest on delayed amounts. Once you have a final judgment, the execution judge can seize company bank accounts or assets to recover the money.

Protect yourself while waiting

Continue to attend work unless the non-payment makes it impossible. Keep a daily log of hours worked. Do not sign any new contract or resignation letter that waives your claim. If the delay exceeds two months, you may also request a transfer of sponsorship through MOHRE without needing a no-objection certificate from the current employer.

Ask Tovi for more

Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything. Ask Tovi free →

Got more UAE questions?

Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything — visas, banking, housing, schools. Ask Tovi free →