Experts at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) affirm that even if a worker signs a document stating ‘all dues paid’ but doesn’t receive rightful compensation, they can still seek legal recourse against the company.
Abdulla Alawadhi, a legal researcher at MoHRE, emphasized this during a workshop aimed at clarifying new amendments in labor dispute resolution.
He stated in a Khaleej Times report, “If an employee signs a document saying, ‘all dues paid’ and does not receive his end-of-service gratuity or overtime or benefits, he can still approach the Ministry and file a case.” Alawadhi acknowledged that sometimes workers are coerced or unaware of the document’s contents.
MoHRE conducts inquiries into such cases, scrutinizing evidence like bank statements. Alawadhi reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights, stating, “The Ministry wants to ensure that the rights of the employees are protected.”
Under the amended federal law, MoHRE can adjudicate disputes valued up to Dh50,000 if an amicable settlement isn’t reached. Additionally, disputes involving domestic workers must be referred to MoHRE, with unresolved cases proceeding to court after two weeks.