The National reported on 21 September that Abu Dhabi Labour Court, in coordination with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), has secured AED 7.8 million (USD 2.1 million) in unpaid wages for 948 migrant workers across three disputes. The settlements—reached through judicial deposits and direct employer-worker agreements—ensure that 457 staff receive full arrears immediately, while the rest will be paid through structured instalments. Crucially for global-mobility teams, the workers retain their jobs, allowing sponsoring companies to avoid visa cancellations and costly recruitment of replacements. MoHRE statistics show that 98.6 percent of the 185,793 labour complaints filed in H1 2026 were resolved amicably, reflecting the authorities’ push for speedy, out-of-court settlements and a strengthened Wage Protection System. For expatriates on assignment in the UAE, the case underscores the legal avenues available to claim outstanding dues without jeopardising residency status. Employers, meanwhile, are reminded that delayed salary payments can trigger inspections, fines and potential suspension from issuing new work permits. Immigration advisers say firms should integrate payroll-compliance alerts into mobility dashboards to pre-empt disputes that could spiral into travel restrictions or negative media coverage. The judgement aligns with wider efforts to make the UAE a ‘destination of choice’ for skilled talent by reinforcing fair-employment practices. Legal consultants expect more digitalisation of claim submissions, faster electronic disbursement of awards and heavier penalties for repeat offenders over the next 12 months.
Source: The National
