Abu Dhabi court secures Dh7.8 million owed to 948 workers in labour disputes

The Abu Dhabi Labour Court has successfully recovered Dh7.8 million ($2.1 million) in outstanding financial obligations for 948 workers, following the resolution of three labour disputes. These payments were collected through judicial deposits and amicable settlements between employers and employees, representing a portion of the total claims of Dh12.3 million.

The Abu Dhabi Labour Court, in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, facilitated the recovery of funds, securing full payments for 457 workers and partial payments for 491 workers. The remaining balances were arranged in structured instalment plans to ensure the complete recovery of outstanding dues.

This resolution not only ensured that affected workers retained their jobs but also contributed to the stability of employment relationships, economic activities, and business continuity. The court's commitment to swiftly resolving labour disputes and protecting workers' rights was evident, as evidenced by the high resolution rate of 98.6% in the first half of the year.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation played a pivotal role in resolving 185,793 labour disputes amicably, accounting for 98.6% of all cases. Only 2,481 cases, representing 1.4% of the total, were referred to the judiciary for further action. The authority granted to the ministry to adjudicate labour disputes directly, including claims up to Dh50,000, significantly contributed to the high resolution rate.

This approach helped resolve issues more quickly, reducing the burden on local courts and enabling claimants to receive their legal entitlements faster.

The Wage Protection System, an upgraded mechanism, played a crucial role in minimizing the causes of labour disputes. By strengthening proactive monitoring of employers' compliance with wage-payment requirements and identifying delays or violations early, the system facilitated faster resolution of disputes and enhanced data-driven decision-making. Workers and employers could submit labour complaints and seek advice through the Labour Claims and Advisory Call Centre or the ministry's website and smart app.