Employees in Dubai file labour complaints for a range of workplace issues that relate to their rights, entitlements, and working conditions. Understanding these reasons helps both employers and employees remain compliant with UAE Labour Law and maintain a fair workplace environment.
One of the main roles of Labour Lawyers in Dubai is to guide individuals through these disputes, ensuring that the complaint is filed correctly and supported with proper evidence. Below are the most common grounds on which employees escalate matters to MOHRE or the Labour Court.
1. Unpaid or Delayed Salaries
One of the most frequent triggers for complaints is the failure to receive salary on time. UAE law requires employers to pay wages according to the Wage Protection System (WPS), and repeated delays may result in penalties, fines, or court action.
2. Unpaid End-of-Service Benefits
When employment ends, workers are entitled to gratuity, unused leave encashment, and other final dues. Disputes arise when employers calculate these benefits incorrectly or refuse payment.
3. Unlawful or Arbitrary Termination
Employees can file complaints if they believe they were terminated without a valid legal reason or without proper notice, especially in situations that appear retaliatory or discriminatory.
4. Passport or Document Retention
Although prohibited by law, some employers still retain employee passports or personal documents. This practice is illegal and often results in employees filing official complaints.
5. Workplace Harassment or Hostile Work Environment
Employees may report issues such as bullying, harassment, or discriminatory behavior. UAE labour regulations encourage safe, respectful workplace conditions and allow employees to file complaints to protect their rights.
6. Contractual Breaches
Disputes commonly arise when:
- The employer changes job roles without consent
- Salary is reduced unfairly
- Benefits mentioned in the contract are not honored
Any deviation from the written agreement may justify filing a complaint.
7. Excessive Working Hours or Lack of Overtime Compensation
Employees can file disputes if they work beyond the legal daily or weekly limits without receiving overtime pay. Claims involving unpaid overtime often require supporting evidence, such as time sheets or attendance logs.
8. Denial of Annual Leave or Sick Leave
Refusing to grant paid leave, delaying leave requests repeatedly, or deducting salary unlawfully for approved sick leave are among the common reasons employees escalate concerns.
9. Unsafe Working Conditions
Inadequate safety measures, lack of protective equipment, or exposure to dangerous environments may lead employees to report their employer for violating workplace safety regulations.
10. Withholding of Experience Certificates or Pending Benefits
Employees are entitled to obtain experience letters and have their dues settled promptly at the end of employment. Delays or withholding documents without justification often lead to formal complaints.
Conclusion
Labour complaints in Dubai generally stem from issues involving salary, wrongful termination, leave entitlements, contract violations, workplace harassment, or unsafe working conditions. Understanding these common triggers helps both sides act lawfully and resolve issues efficiently before they escalate into litigation.For Lawyers in Dubai Contact gulfadvocates.com.
