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Worried About Unpaid Wages? Here's How to File a Confidential Salary Complaint in the UAE

In the UAE, failing to receive your wages on time can be incredibly stressful—especially if you fear retaliation for speaking up. But thanks to a dedicated service by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), workers now have the option to report salary issues anonymously, without putting their jobs at risk.

Whether your employer consistently delays payments, withholds your salary entirely, or refuses to pay overtime and benefits, MOHRE’s ‘My Salary Complaint’ service allows you to take action—confidentially and securely.

What is the ‘My Salary Complaint’ Service?

MOHRE’s ‘My Salary Complaint’ is a confidential reporting mechanism that enables employees to raise salary-related concerns without disclosing their identity to their employer. It’s designed to protect whistleblowers, prevent exploitation, and ensure employers are held accountable for wage violations.

Once submitted, MOHRE initiates an official investigation and inspects the employer’s payment records, without ever revealing the complainant’s identity.

Who Can Use This Service?

To file an anonymous complaint, you must:

  • Hold a valid Emirates ID

  • Know your labour card number

  • Have no pending labour court cases or complaints

How to File Your Complaint: Step-by-Step Guide

You can file your complaint via the MOHRE smart app or the official MOHRE website. Here’s how the process works:

1. Enter Your Information

Submit your basic personal details, including:

  • Passport number

  • Full name

  • Nationality

  • Date of birth

2. Verify Your Identity (Securely)

You'll receive an OTP (One-Time Password) via SMS or email. This step verifies the legitimacy of your request without exposing your identity to your employer. (Note: OTP may not be required when using the MOHRE smart app.)

3. Official Investigation

Once the complaint is filed, MOHRE’s Labour Inspection Department will begin an internal investigation. Inspectors may visit your employer to examine payment records, but your identity will remain protected throughout.

4. Case Resolution and Notification

You’ll be notified via SMS when the investigation is complete. Most complaints are resolved within 14 days.

Also Read: Understanding UAE Labour Law: Employee Rights, Working Hours, and Benefits

How to Track Your Complaint

You can follow up on your complaint status through any of the following:

  • MOHRE App

  • MOHRE Website

  • WhatsApp: 600590000

  • Call Centre: 80084

What Evidence Should You Keep?

Even though the complaint is anonymous, having documentation will strengthen your case. Prepare the following:

  • Bank statements showing delayed or missed payments

  • Employment contract or offer letter

  • Screenshots of WhatsApp or email conversations discussing salary or payment delays

What If You Work in a Free Zone?

For employees based in free zones, the process is slightly different. You must first report the issue to the free zone authority’s mediation office.

If mediation fails, the free zone will issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC), which allows you to escalate the issue to court. While free zone authorities can mediate, they cannot enforce legal decisions, only the courts can.

UAE Labour Law Backs You

Under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021, employers are obligated to pay salaries on time. Failure to do so constitutes a labour law violation that can lead to fines, suspension of company services, and further legal consequences.

MOHRE's confidential reporting tool is part of the UAE's broader strategy to enforce compliance and protect workers' rights, regardless of nationality or profession.

Al Kabban & Associates Can Help

If your salary complaint involves complex issues, such as unpaid commissions, contract violations, or labour ban threats, Al Kabban & Associates offers expert legal counsel to help you recover what you're owed while protecting your employment rights.

We handle both MOHRE-registered company matters and free zone employment disputes across Dubai and the UAE. For more information or to schedule a private consultation, contact us at +971 4 453 9090 or visit www.alkabban.com

You can also follow us on social media for more updates on everything law related in the UAE: @Alkabban_Law


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