Dubai employer hasn't paid salary for months, now we need money just to file a labour case
I am sharing this because I honestly do not know where else to ask for advice.
I have been working in Dubai, and since December 2025 I have not received my salary. Every month, we were given promises that payment would be made "next week" or "soon," but months have passed and we are still waiting.
The company owner is an Emirati national, and we tried to be patient and understanding because we knew the business was facing financial difficulties. We gave time and trusted the repeated promises that the pending salaries would be settled.
Unfortunately, the situation has reached a point where employees are struggling financially. Some of us have used our savings, borrowed money, and are trying to survive while waiting for salaries that we already earned.
We followed the proper process through MOHRE. After waiting for the employer's given period to resolve the issue, we were referred to Al Adheed to proceed with the labour case.
The painful part is that we now need to find around AED 915 just to register the case, but after months without salary, we no longer have enough funds. We are now looking for money just to start the legal process to recover our own unpaid wages.
I never expected that after working in Dubai and fulfilling my responsibilities, I would reach a point where I need to borrow money just to fight for my unpaid salary.
I am asking for advice from anyone who has experienced something similar:
- Is there any support available for employees who cannot afford the registration cost?
- Are there organizations that can assist workers in this situation?
- What other options are available?
Thank you to anyone who can share guidance or experience.