What are my legal rights if I face forced leave and defamation for refusing a salary cut?

Dear User,

Your legal rights in the Dubai workplace:

1- UAE law prohibits discrimination based on disability or any other reason, and forbids psychological or physical harassment or abuse.

2- Salary may not be reduced without your written consent or a court ruling, and forcing you to take leave without a legitimate reason constitutes a legal violation.

3- You are entitled to paid sick leave under the law, and your employer must provide the necessary healthcare.

4- Any false claims or attacks on your reputation are considered defamation, and you may claim compensation.

5- You have the right to claim compensation of up to three months' gross pay for arbitrary dismissal, in addition to lost wages, end-of-service benefits, and moral damages for psychological and reputational harm.

You can first submit a formal complaint to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). If the dispute is not resolved amicably, you may file a lawsuit before the competent court to claim all your legal rights.

Dear Inquirer,

Thank you for reaching out. Your situation touches on several important areas under UAE Labour Law (Decree 33/2021), including protection from discrimination and harassment, salary deductions, forced leave, sick leave rights, defamation, and claims of arbitrary dismissal.

While MOHRE can address salary, leave, and termination disputes, compensation for defamation, moral damages, and reputational harm generally requires escalation to the courts. The type and extent of compensation (lost wages, EOSB, damages, etc.) depend on the evidence presented and the court's assessment.

Given the complexity and seriousness of your case, we strongly recommend a detailed consultation so we can review your documents and advise on the best course of action. You may also authorize our firm to represent you before MOHRE or the courts if needed.

Book a consultation today with FUTURE VISION ADVOCATES & LEGAL CONSULTANCY for tailored legal guidance.

Hello,

You have strong protections under the UAE Labour Law (Decree 33/2021) and the MOHRE regulations against discrimination, harassment, unfair salary cuts, forced leave, and defamation at the workplace.

You are entitled to:

- Protection from harassment and discrimination, especially given your disability status.

- Valid sick leave and full salary entitlements during hospitalization backed by medical certificates.

- Challenge arbitrary salary cuts or forced leave.

Seek remedy and compensation for any defamatory statements harming your reputation.

Claim compensation for wrongful dismissal, including lost wages, damages, end-of-service, and moral harm.

You should:

- Document all incidents carefully,

- File a formal complaint with MOHRE online or by visiting their service centers, and

- MOHRE will attempt mediation, and if unresolved, refer your case to the Federal Labour Court.

The court can award all due payments plus moral damages if your claims are established.

For filing a complaint:

- Gather evidence such as contracts, emails, medical reports, and witness statements.

- File a complaint via the MOHRE website or mobile app with UAE Pass.

- Expect mediation efforts within 14 days; unresolved matters can proceed to court.

- Legal advice and representation are recommended to maximize your remedies and navigate court procedures.

- You have the right to a respectful, fair workplace and can enforce those rights with MOHRE and courts.

If you want help filing a complaint or legal representation, feel free to ask.

Thank you!

Thank you for contacting us via Legal Advice Middle East!

Your matter involves a mix of workplace rights violations, discrimination, forced leave, and reputational harm. We have acted in very similar cases, where employees were pressured with pay cuts, false accusations, and wrongful termination.

In those cases, MOHRE and the courts recognized the employee’s rights and granted compensation for arbitrary dismissal and unpaid entitlements.

There are several key points under the UAE Labour Law.

First, the law prohibits discrimination and harassment at the workplace, and salary reductions cannot be imposed unilaterally—your employer must have your consent or an approved contractual amendment. Forcing you to leave without cause is unlawful.

Second, sick leave entitlements are clearly protected, and hospitalization records are strong evidence of your right to paid leave under statutory limits.

Third, defamation—especially when your employer copied outside parties in allegations of theft—may give rise to a separate civil claim for reputational harm and moral damages.

If you are dismissed in these circumstances, it is treated as an arbitrary dismissal. Compensation in such cases can include notice pay, end-of-service benefits, unpaid leave salary, and additional damages up to several months of wages.

MOHRE can order reinstatement or compensation at the mediation stage, and if escalated to court, you may also claim for moral harm linked to discrimination or defamation. Courts have awarded employees compensation covering lost wages, gratuity, and, in some cases, moral damages, depending on the evidence.

The most strategic path is to file a complaint with MOHRE immediately to document the forced leave, salary cut, and harassment. If no amicable settlement is reached, the case transfers to the labour court, where you can claim financial and moral damages.

To give you precise guidance, we would need to review your contract, salary records, hospital reports, and the defamatory email.

Our multilingual consultants (Arabic, English, Russian, Hindi, and Chinese) can assist you in preparing the MOHRE complaint and representing you before the court.

Be advised:

Under the UAE Labour Law, you are protected from harassment, discrimination, unfair salary cuts, and forced leave.

You are entitled to sick leave, and false accusations harming your reputation can be challenged. If dismissed unfairly, you can claim lost wages, end-of-service benefits, and moral damages.

MOHRE can mediate, and unresolved cases can go to the Federal Court. Keep all evidence and records.

For more help or guidance, please share your WhatsApp number so we can guide you step by step.