MOHRE Decision Received but Company Has Not Paid Yet

Hi everyone,

I would really appreciate some advice from people familiar with UAE labour law and MOHRE procedures.

I worked for the same company for 2.5 years. For the first 3 months, I was on a visit visa, and afterwards I continued working while on my husband’s dependent visa.

I filed a complaint with MOHRE regarding my unpaid salary, gratuity and leave encashment. MOHRE has now issued a decision in my favour.

I have a few questions regarding the payment and the dependent visa cost:

1. Payment before or after the visa amount?
   The company is saying that I need to pay the dependent visa cost first, and then they will process/pay my dues. Is this correct, or should the company pay me according to the MOHRE decision first?

2. Dependent visa cost of AED 1,700:
   Both the company and I submitted our respective settlement documents to MOHRE. The company’s settlement mentioned AED 1,700 as dependent visa cost. However, MOHRE did not deduct this amount from my awarded amount.

I also specifically asked MOHRE whether I have to pay the company for my husband’s dependent visa cost. I was told that I don’t have to pay it at this stage and that if the company wants to claim it, they should file a separate complaint.

If the company now files a complaint against me for this AED 1,700, could this negatively affect my status, employment record, or future job opportunities in the UAE?

3. MOHRE decision and non-payment:
   MOHRE has already issued the decision, but the company has still not paid me.

If the company does not pay, I understand that I may need to proceed to court. Do I need to wait 15 working days after the MOHRE decision before going to court? Also, are Saturday and Sunday excluded when counting the 15 working days?

I would really appreciate advice from anyone who has gone through a similar MOHRE-to-court process.

Thank you in advance for any guidance.