Questions & Answers
How to reduce agreed salary deductions if they are too high and affect our livelihood?
Hello,
I work for a company in the field of technical works related to interior decorations, and during my work, for technical reasons, some materials that belonged to the company and that we use in our work were damaged, and which should have been secured in a certain way.
My coworkers and I were punished by deducting the value of the materials from our salaries, as the company deducted 15 days per month until the full amount was paid.
The first deduction was made last month, which causes us a lot of harm, as it is difficult for us to face living with the remaining amount.
We know that there was a mistake on our part and we agreed to the deduction, but the amount deducted monthly is half of our salaries, which is a very difficult matter.
If we arbitrate the work and workers in the ministry, can the matter be settled on easy terms with the company, or will our request be rejected?
With many thanks in advance!
Hello,
No amount may be deducted from an employee's wages except in cases specified by law and at specific rates that may not be increased except with court approval.
This should be clarified as follows:
- According to the Labor Law, amounts necessary to repair damage caused by an employee, as a result of an error on their part or violation of the employer's instructions, may be deducted.
- This damage resulted from the destruction, damage, or loss of tools, machinery, products, or materials owned by the employer.
- The deduction shall not exceed five (5) days' wages per month. No more than this amount may be deducted except with the approval of the competent court. This means that no more than five days' wages may be deducted, and the error or violation of the employer's instructions must be proven.
Feel free to contact us at our office's contact numbers, which you will find in our profile on mobile, via WhatsApp, or via email.
Good luck,
Good afternoon,
Thank you for reaching out regarding the salary deductions related to damaged company materials.
Under UAE Labour Law, employers may recover costs for damages caused by employee negligence, but such deductions must follow proper procedures and cannot exceed 50% of your salary in any given month.
If the current deductions are causing significant financial hardship, you have the right to request more manageable terms or a longer repayment period.
You may also file a formal complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), which can mediate a fair resolution.
Even if an agreement to the deduction was initially made, you can still seek to revise it under humanitarian grounds.
We would be happy to assist you further with this matter, including reviewing your documents and supporting you through the complaint or mediation process.
Please let us know a suitable time for a consultation.
Best regards,
The company has the right to deduct, but not more than 50% of the monthly salary.
You may file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation if the deduction exceeds this limit.
You can request a flexible installment schedule (for example, a 10% discount), and the Ministry will work to resolve the matter.
Accepting the deduction does not mean waiving your right to regulate and reduce it legally.
Dear Inquirer,
Thank you for reaching out!
Even if there was an error on your part and you initially agreed to the deductions, UAE Labour Law prohibits salary deductions exceeding 5-10% per month in most cases, unless approved through legal channels.
A deduction of 15 days’ salary per month may be considered excessive and subject to challenge.
You have the right to file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). In many cases, such disputes can be resolved amicably through mediation, especially when the deductions severely affect your livelihood.
To protect your rights and explore your legal options, we recommend booking a consultation with us or assigning us to represent you before the Ministry.
We’re here to help.
Best regards,
Hello,
If you and your colleagues feel that the deductions are unfair, you have the right to approach the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) to file a formal complaint.
MOHRE can intervene and mediate between you and your employer to help reach a fair resolution.
The ministry will review the case and investigate whether the salary deduction is in line with the labor laws.
It is possible that your request could be accepted, especially if the deduction is deemed excessive or unreasonable, and the matter can be resolved in a way that is fair to both parties.
