Worked 9 days, left without notice — employer claiming I owe 14 days salary. MOHRE?
TLDR: Resigned after 9 days during probation without 14-day notice. Gave formal resignation (accepted by HR) and full handover. Company now withholding my 9-day salary and demanding I pay them 14 days’ notice compensation. Legal under UAE law?
I worked at a company in Dubai for 9 days during my probation period. I resigned due to personal reasons and left without serving the required 14-day notice period (as stated in my employment contract).
My employment contract stated:
• Probation period: 6 months
• Notice period during probation: 14 days
My situation:
• I have my signed offer letter, formal resignation email (accepted by HR and manager), and joining emails
• I provided full handover of all work before leaving
• I did not serve the full 14-day notice period
• The company did not process my visa after I resigned (citing cost concerns)
• Their HR is now claiming I owe them 14 days’ notice period salary as compensation and is withholding my earned wages for the 9 days I actually worked
Questions:
1. Under UAE Labor Law, can a company legally withhold earned wages (for days worked) as compensation for not serving notice during probation?
2. If I file a MOHRE complaint for unpaid wages, will they offset my wage claim against the 14-day notice period liability?
3. Has anyone else dealt with this situation? What was the realistic recovery?
Any advice or similar experiences appreciated.