My employer has delayed my salary payments for two months. What legal action can I take under UAE labor law?

Hello everyone,

I work for a private company in Dubai, and my salary has been delayed for the past two months. The employer keeps promising payment “soon,” but nothing has been transferred yet. I’m concerned about my rights and the proper legal steps I can take.

My questions are:

• What protections do employees have under UAE labor law regarding delayed or unpaid wages?

• Is there a formal complaint process through MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation)?

• Can I terminate my contract if the employer continues to delay payments?

• Are there penalties imposed on companies that fail to pay salaries on time?

• Has anyone here had experience filing a wage complaint in Dubai?

I’d appreciate any guidance or shared experiences.