Questions & Answers
Salary deduction because of the current pandemic and claiming the normal salary back
Hi,
I am an ex-pat working for a company in Iraq registered/based in Dubai.
At the beginning of the pandemic, my income was cut by 35% for a minimum period of 6 months. I still remain in that position today, I would like to quest the legality of this when I believe my company was in trouble before the pandemic and this is a convenient way for the cuts to be made.
I also believe that my company has started an additional business during this period which begs the question of claiming difficulties due to the pandemic.
Thanks for your assistance!
Hello,
Thank you for your question!
Based on U.A.E. laws and regulations, your employer should not be able to make an amendment to your employment contract without your approval and sign-off. This includes amendments related to your salary.
If you do not agree to the reduction, then we recommend raising these concerns to your employer. Should they refuse to address your concerns, then you have the option to resign.
It will be helpful to take another look at your employment contract, and specifically any amendments that were made to it reflecting the salary reduction.
For example, did the amendment state that the salary reduction would last for a period of up to 6 months?
If that is the case, then once the 6 months passed, you should have been able to speak with your employers to reinstate your previous salary.
Should you require further tailored substantive legal advice, kindly send an email and we would be delighted to assist you.
Kind regards,
Ludmila
