UAE Salary Rule: Wages Are Now Due on the 1st of Every Month
Under MoHRE Resolution No. 340 of 2026, private-sector wages in the UAE fall due on the first day of each month. Here is what it means for workers, plus who is exempt.
UAEIn brief
- Under MoHRE Resolution No. 340 of 2026, in force since 1 June 2026, wages are due on the first day of the following month.
- A salary paid after that date is legally treated as delayed.
- Private companies must pay through the Wage Protection System (WPS) or another approved system.
- Workers can complain about late pay to MoHRE for free on 600590000.
| Country | UAE |
|---|---|
| Organization | UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) |
| Official source | Gulf News – reporting MoHRE Ministerial Resolution No. 340 of 2026 ✓ gulfnews.com |
If you work in the UAE private sector, there is now a fixed date when your salary is legally due. Under Ministerial Resolution No. 340 of 2026 from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), in force since 1 June 2026, wages for each month are due on the first day of the following calendar month.
A salary paid after that date is legally treated as delayed.
What the rule says
- All private companies registered with MoHRE must pay wages on time through the Wage Protection System (WPS) or another system approved by the ministry.
- Employers must also submit the data and documents the ministry asks for to prove payment.
- Legal analysts reporting on the change say the share of the wage bill that must be paid on time through WPS rose from 80% to 85%. This does not reduce any worker's right to their full salary.
Who is exempt
The resolution lists cases where the WPS rule does not apply, including:
- workers with a wage claim already in court, for the disputed amount or period
- workers with an active absconding report, while the report is valid
- workers on approved unpaid leave, if the employer informs MoHRE
- workers on mission work permits of up to three months
- foreign workers of foreign companies who are paid outside the UAE, if they agree and MoHRE approves
- seafarers, if MoHRE approves the employer's request
Some establishments are also exempt, such as banks and financial institutions, places of worship, and fishing boats and taxis owned by individual UAE citizens.
What happens if an employer pays late
Late payment can lead to penalties for the company, including fines and a freeze on issuing new work permits. Repeat cases can be referred to the authorities.
What workers can do
- Check your payslip and bank account on the 1st of each month.
- If your salary is late, first raise it with your employer in writing.
- If it is still unpaid, file a complaint with MoHRE through its app, website or call centre (600590000).
You do not need a lawyer to file a wage complaint with MoHRE, and filing is free.
This article explains the rule in plain terms. For your own case, check MoHRE's official channels or get legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
When must salary be paid in the UAE?
Under Ministerial Resolution No. 340 of 2026, wages for each month are due on the first day of the following calendar month. Pay after that date is treated as delayed.
What can I do if my UAE salary is late?
Raise it with your employer in writing first. If it is still unpaid, file a free complaint with MoHRE through its app, website or call centre on 600590000.
What is WPS in the UAE?
The Wage Protection System, through which private companies registered with MoHRE must pay wages, or through another system approved by the ministry.
What happens to UAE employers who pay salaries late?
They can face penalties, including fines and a freeze on issuing new work permits. Repeat cases can be referred to the authorities.
Apply only through the official source.
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