Abu Dhabi Court Awards Dh475,000 to Worker in Long-Running Salary Dispute

An Indian civil engineer who worked for 15 years at a private company in the UAE has been awarded Dh475,555 by the Abu Dhabi Labour Court after his employer withheld his salary for 19 months and refused to pay his end-of-service benefits.

 

The worker, who resigned in April this year after going unpaid for over a year, initially filed a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). When mediation failed, the case was referred to the labour court, which ordered the company to pay him outstanding wages and gratuity, amounting to more than Dh300,000, along with other dues.

 

The judgment provides relief to the worker, who had faced significant hardship during the prolonged salary delay.

 

Under the UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations), employees are entitled to timely payment of wages, gratuity, and other contractual benefits. If an employer fails to pay wages, the worker has the right to lodge a complaint with MoHRE.

 

The law also establishes a one-year limitation period for filing claims related to employment entitlements, calculated from the date the worker becomes eligible to receive them. This includes unpaid wages, gratuity, leave encashment, and other benefits. The purpose of this provision is to ensure disputes are raised and resolved promptly.

 

In cases where mediation by MoHRE does not resolve the issue, the matter is referred to the relevant labour court, which has the authority to enforce payments and impose penalties on employers who violate their obligations.

 

 

For any enquiries please fill out this form, or contact info@thelawreporters.com and  Follow  The Law Reporters on WhatsApp Channels