Won my DIFC Small Claims Tribunal case for unpaid salary, but employer disappeared after judgment — what enforcement option should I choose?
Hi everyone, I’m looking for advice from anyone who has experience with DIFC SCT enforcement.
I filed a claim with the DIFC Small Claims Tribunal (SCT) on 5 June 2025 against my previous employer for unpaid salary amounting to AED 31,000.
I won the case, and the court issued a judgment/order in my favor. My previous employer did not contest the claim and did not appeal the proceedings. After the judgment was issued, he even confirmed by email that he would make the payment and requested my bank details so he could transfer the amount.
However, after I sent my bank details, his email account was suddenly deactivated and I could no longer reach him. He also changed his mobile number. At that point, I felt that he never really intended to make the payment despite confirming he would.
Because of the additional filing fees involved, it took me some time before I could proceed with enforcement. I eventually filed for enforcement, and it was issued on 9 April 2026, confirming that the judgment is final and executory.
Now I am unsure what my next step should be. I do not want to spend another USD 300 filing fee on the wrong application.
These were the enforcement options provided by DIFC SCT:
1. Part 45 – Enforcement through Dubai Courts
This applies if I know the defendant has assets in the UAE outside DIFC. The judgment needs to be translated into Arabic before proceeding.
2. Part 47 – Attachment of Future Assets and Earnings (USD 300 fee)
This allows attachment over assets held in DIFC or future assets belonging to the judgment debtor.
3. Part 48 – Seizure of Assets (USD 100 fee)
This applies if I know the defendant has assets in DIFC (such as office equipment, furniture, computers, etc.).
4. Part 50 – Examination of Officers of Defendant to Obtain Information (USD 300 fee)
This allows me to request information about the defendant’s assets if I do not know what assets they have.
My situation is that I currently do not know what assets my previous employer has. However, I know that he is still in Dubai because he recently established a new company with the same business activity as the company where I previously worked.
I am not sure whether the new company is a mainland company or a free zone company. I tried reaching out to him through his new company email address to send him the court order and enforcement judgment, hoping he would finally comply, but still no response.
I really need to recover this money because the unpaid salary for 5 months caused me financial difficulties and debts that I am still trying to manage.
I would really appreciate advice from anyone who has gone through DIFC SCT enforcement before:
- Which enforcement option would make the most sense in my situation?
- Should I file Part 50 first to find out what assets he has?
I don’t want to keep paying fees without knowing the correct route. Any advice or shared experience would really help.
Thank you.