World: A man in the UAE received around 26 lakhs (AED 110,400) as salary for four months — without attending office even a single day. Surprising as it sounds, the UAE court ruled in his favor, stating that the fault lay entirely with the employer. The individual had signed a valid employment contract and was fully prepared to join duty. However, due to the company’s delay in processing administrative formalities like visa clearance and onboarding, he couldn’t start work. Despite his repeated attempts to follow up, the employer failed to provide a joining date or access to work. The court held that once a legal contract is signed, the employer is obligated to pay the employee unless there is fault on the employee’s part — which wasn’t the case here. This unique decision highlights how strongly the UAE protects employee rights and enforces accountability among employers in employment-related matters.
1. What is the case?
The Abu Dhabi court of the United Arab Emirates ruled in favor of an employee, who had signed for the job but did not go to work for a day. Despite this, the court ordered the company to pay Rs 26 lakh (about 1,10,400 dirham) to the employee.
2. I got a job, but could not start
The employee signed a contract for a job in a reputed company. But due to procedural delay, visa process and negligence in the required permissions from the company, the staff could not start work for four months .The employee told the court that he kept contacting repeatedly and was ready to start the job, but no clear guidelines were given by the company.
3. What did the court say?
The Abu Dhabi court admitted that when a valid contract was done, and the employee was ready to start work on his behalf, then the employee cannot be held responsible for the delay.The court said that the employee suffered a loss of mental, economic and time due to the company's negligence. Therefore, he was ordered to pay a full salary of four months.
4. UAE strict labor law
- The UAE has strict laws regarding labor rights.
- Under the Wage Protection System (WPS), it is mandatory to pay timely salary to employees.
- If the employee is unable to start a job due to the mistake of a company, he can get proper compensation.
- The employer can also be fined heavy if the delay is delayed after the contract.
5. Another such case
This is not the first time the UAE court has given such a verdict. Some time ago, a female employee was terminated on the very first day of the job. The court ordered the company to be compensated for 22 lakh (about 100,000 dirhams).
6. Why is this decision important?
- This decision proves that UAE is serious in protecting the rights of its workers.
- It is important to decide the accountability of employers, so that no employee is a victim of inappropriate behavior.
- This is a warning for those who contract employees but do not take responsibility.
This decision of the UAE court is not only justice for that employee, but it is a ray of hope for every employed person. This proves that if you are ready for your duties under the contract, the law will definitely protect your rights - whether you have started work or not.
