Court Rules in Favor of Unpaid Worker

Deserved Justice: Over a Year and a Half Without Pay – Court Awards 475,555 Dirhams in Compensation

The labor court of the United Arab Emirates once again proved that the country offers not only economic opportunities but also legal protection for its workers. In an especially shocking case, a graduate engineer who had been working in the country for 15 years went without pay for 19 months, while relying on loans to cover his daily living expenses. Severance pay was also denied to him, but justice eventually prevailed: the labor court in Abu Dhabi awarded him 475,555 dirhams.

A Story of Prolonged Struggle

At the heart of this case is a worker residing in the UAE, who served the same private company as an engineer for 15 years. However, the company – breaching all labor regulations – did not pay his salary for 19 months. The situation escalated to the point where the employee resigned in April 2025, after all his efforts to resolve wage issues had failed.

The worker followed the usual official procedure, filing a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). The ministry attempted mediation, but the company remained unyielding – not just about the 19 months of salary, but also concerning the severance pay.

The Court's Decision and the Legal Background of the Case

The lawsuit eventually reached the Abu Dhabi Labor Court, where detailed evidence, pay slips, and other company documents made it clear that the worker had legitimate entitlements. The legal team conducted thorough investigations and submitted a clear and detailed claim. This convinced the court that the former employee had suffered serious financial and psychological harm.

The court ordered the company to pay 475,555 dirhams, which included the overdue salaries, severance pay, and other legitimate claims related to the employment.

Mental and Financial Hardships in the Background

During the proceedings, it became clear that the employee carried not only financial but also mental burdens. Due to missed payments, he had to take loans for everyday living, which led to debts. This caused severe stress, leading him to take multiple unpaid leaves.

The company later cited these absences when it refused the final settlement – an attempt to avoid its legal obligations. However, the court did not accept this argument.

Legal Framework: Deadlines and Employee Rights

The current UAE labor laws are clear: any claim arising from employment – including severance pay, unpaid salaries, vacation allowances – must be filed within one year from the day the worker's entitlement arises. This rule protects not only employers but also employees, ensuring swift proceedings.

Therefore, it is particularly important for employees in similar situations to act timely and not wait for the deadline to pass. Such court decisions highlight that the UAE is committed to abiding by the law, offering remedies to those who face difficulties.

Why Is This Verdict Important?

The verdict serves justice not only to the involved worker but sets an example for others. The UAE job market is extremely diverse, and foreign workers play a key role in the country's development. This decision sends a clear message: the law is available to everyone, and employers cannot evade their obligations, even if the worker has left the country or taken a new job.

The case also highlights that such situations are not isolated incidents. Economic uncertainty or internal company issues can easily lead to similar conflicts. Therefore, it is crucial for workers to be aware of their rights and not hesitate to stand up for them – either through MoHRE or labor courts.

Lessons for the Future

The case holds several important lessons:

Don’t wait too long. Always act in time regarding unpaid wages or severance.

Document everything. Employment contracts, pay slips, correspondence – these can play a decisive role in legal proceedings.

Use official channels. MoHRE and labor courts are effective when a violation occurs.

Legal representation matters. An experienced law firm can help the winning party receive comprehensive compensation.

Conclusion

The current judgment also shows that the justice system of the United Arab Emirates takes the protection of workers seriously. Although the story was full of hardships, it ultimately gives hope to all those who find themselves in similar situations. The truth eventually catches up with those who work for it – and in this case, the institutions of Dubai and Abu Dhabi have also proven that they are built on stable legal foundations, as well as economic ones.

(Source of the article: Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announcement.)