Report unpaid or delayed salaries

For any concerns or complaints regarding salary payment in the private sector, workers may contact Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) or register a salary complaint.

Wages are paid in accordance to Ministerial Resolution No. 598 of 2022 Regarding Wages Protection System.

When should employers pay salaries?

All establishments registered with Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) must pay their employees’ wages on the due date through the ministry’s Wage Protection System (WPS). The employee's wages are due from the first day of the month following the expiry of the period for which the wages are specified in the employment contract.

If the period is not specified in the employment contract, the employee must be paid at least once a month.

The employer is considered late in paying the wage if the payment is not made within the first 15 days after the due date, unless the employment contract specifies a shorter period.

Minimum wages

There is no minimum salary stipulated in the UAE Labour Law. However, it includes general provisions requiring that wages must be sufficient to meet the basic needs of employees.

How should salaries/wages be paid?

Under the WPS, salaries of private sector employees will be transferred through banks, exchange houses or financial institutions authorised by the Central Bank of the UAE to provide the service.

The WPS was developed by the UAE Central Bank, enabling MoHRE to establish a database of wage payments in the private sector and monitor employers’ compliance with paying wages in full and on time.

Payment can be in Emirati Dirham, or in any other currency if it is agreed upon between both parties in the employment contract.

Penalties on companies for late or non-payment of salaries/wages

The table below lists penalties for companies failing to pay salaries/wages on the due dates:

Source: Ministerial Resolution No. 598 of 2022 Regarding Wages Protection System

Categories excluded from WPS compliance

The following categories of employees are excluded from the WPS:

• those who filed a wage-related labour complaint that has been referred to the judiciary
• those who have been reported absent as per a ‘work abandonment’ report
• new employees during the first 30 days from the due date of the wage
• those who are on unpaid leave, provided that supporting documents are duly submitted to MoHRE

Additionally, the following categories of employers are excluded from the WPS compliance:

• UAE nationals owning fishing boats
• UAE nationals owning public taxis
• Banks
• houses of worship.

*Text provided by MoHRE