Does the June 1 rule mean my salary must be in my account on the first, or just submitted by the employer?

The obligation is on the employer to ensure the payment is processed and transferred on the first day of the month. If a bank processing delay causes a late credit, the employer bears the compliance risk, employees should expect the funds to arrive on day one.

What happens if June 1 falls on a weekend or public holiday?

The source does not specify an exception for non-working days. Employers should process payroll ahead of any weekend or holiday to ensure the transfer clears on the first, erring on the side of early payment rather than late.

Where do I report my employer if my salary is paid late?

File a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) via the MOHRE app, the website mohre.gov.ae, or by calling the MoHRE hotline at 800 60.

Does this rule apply to free zone employees?

The rule as reported covers private-sector employers under MoHRE's jurisdiction. Free zone employees should check with their respective free zone authority, as some free zones operate under separate labour frameworks.

UAE Salary Deadline: Wages Due By The 1st (2026)

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MDT News Desk June 3, 2026Updated on October 9, 2026

UAE Salary Payment Rule: Private-Sector Wages Are Due by the 1st

Since 1 June 2026, private-sector employers in the UAE must pay each month’s wages so they reach employees by the first day of the following month. May 2026 wages were the first due under the rule, on 1 June. The rule comes from MOHRE Ministerial Resolution No. 340 of 2026 and runs through the Wage Protection System (WPS) or another MOHRE-approved channel.

What changed for employers and employees

Factor	Before	Now
Wage due date	Set largely by the employment contract, with a grace period	By the 1st day of the following month
Payment channel	WPS	WPS or another MOHRE-approved channel
Who is covered	Private-sector establishments registered with MOHRE	Same

What happens when a company pays late

The resolution sets an escalating response, counted in days after the due date:

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Day 2: MOHRE sends notices and warnings to the company.
Day 5: New work permit applications can be suspended.
Day 11: Administrative penalties can apply, and the company can be moved down a classification category.
Day 16: Labour disputes can be opened automatically and permit restrictions can widen.
Day 21: Wage recovery steps can begin, including precautionary asset seizure and travel bans on responsible officials. Companies with 50 or more workers can be referred to the Public Prosecution for repeated violations.

Dirham fine amounts were not published with the resolution, and the later steps are at MOHRE’s discretion rather than automatic. Free-zone companies can fall under their own authority’s wage rules.

What to do if your salary is late

Check your bank account and payslip for the date the transfer was credited.
Ask HR for the WPS payment date.
If it is still unpaid, file a complaint through the MOHRE UAE smart app or mohre.gov.ae, or call the MOHRE call centre on 600590000.

Employers can use our WPS payroll checklist to plan around the deadline. For notice periods and other worker rights, see our UAE labour law guide and resignation notice guide.

💡 Quick FAQ & IntelligenceTap to Expand

Q: When must private-sector salaries be paid in the UAE?

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Wages earned in a month must reach employees by the first day of the following month, through WPS or another MOHRE-approved channel.

Q: What if the 1st falls on a weekend or public holiday?

Coverage of the resolution does not mention a holiday allowance, so employers are safest paying early to make sure the money is credited by the 1st.

Q: Where do I complain about late salary?

Use the MOHRE UAE smart app or mohre.gov.ae, or call the MOHRE call centre on 600590000.

Q: Does the rule cover free-zone employees?

It covers private-sector establishments registered with MOHRE. Free-zone companies may follow their own authority’s wage rules, so check with the free zone.