Employment Law · Practical Guide
If your salary is late or unpaid, check the agreed pay date, keep clear records and identify the correct complaint route for your employment arrangement.
Legal Compass UAE · Updated 24 October 2026 · 5 minute read
For private sector employers registered with MoHRE, salary payments are generally monitored through the Wage Protection System. The applicable process can depend on the employer, work arrangement and whether the employment falls under a separate regulatory framework.
Compare your employment contract and pay records with the salary you expected to receive. Identify the month, amount, contractual due date and any part payment or deduction. Keep your notes factual and avoid estimating figures if you can verify them from your records.
Save original copies and dates. Do not alter messages or records. If documents contain information about other employees or customers, avoid sharing those details unnecessarily.
You may first send a concise written enquiry to the employer or HR team, stating the pay period and amount you believe remains unpaid and asking for a written explanation. Keep a copy of the message and response.
For eligible private sector employment matters, MoHRE provides labour complaint channels through its website, mobile application and the Labour Claims and Advisory Call Centre at 80084. Check the official procedure and jurisdiction before submitting a complaint. Other employment regimes, including certain financial free zones, may have different processes.
A delayed salary does not automatically mean that every employee can leave without notice or that the same remedy applies to every employment relationship. Before resigning, stopping work, signing a settlement or accepting a final payment, check the contract, applicable law, notice requirements and consequences for your specific circumstances.
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Discuss your legal requirementsDisclaimer: This article provides general legal information for awareness and is not legal advice. UAE employment rules may vary by employment category, location and facts. Confirm current requirements with the relevant official authority or a suitably authorised legal professional.