With geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the Iran vs. US-Israel war disrupting travel and thousands of expatriates unable to return to the UAE, an urgent question is emerging in workplaces and WhatsApp groups alike: Can your employer legally withhold your wages if you’re stuck abroad? According to legal experts and recent clarifications under UAE labor law, the answer is not straightforward and largely depends on why you are stranded, whether you can work remotely, and how you communicate with your employer.
UAE’s main rule: salary is linked to work
In its simplest form, UAE labor regulations operate on a basic principle that wages are paid in exchange for work performed. If an employee is not working and has no approved leave or arrangement, the employer may not be obliged to continue salary payments. However, the current situation, marked by airspace closures, war-related disruptions and flight cancellations, falls into a more complex legal category.Being stuck is not your fault. Legal experts emphasize that if an employee is stuck outside the UAE due to circumstances beyond his or her control, such as war, government restrictions or suspended flights, this is usually treated as “lawful and justified absence”.in such cases:
- Absence should not be considered misconduct
- Employers are expected to act reasonably and in good faith
- Immediate termination or punitive action can be legally challenged
This distinction is important. Under UAE labor law, employees can be dismissed for absence without a valid reason, but unexpected circumstances such as conflict or travel restrictions do not fall into that category.
So, will UAE workers get paid despite being stuck abroad amid the Iran vs US-Israel war?
This is where the details come into play. There is no express clause in UAE labor law that mandates continuation of wages for employees stranded abroad. Instead, the results depend on three major scenarios:
- If you can work remotely – If you are able to perform your work from abroad and your employer agrees, your salary is usually expected to continue as normal and the employment relationship remains active. This is the most practical solution that many companies are adopting.
- If you can’t work – If your role cannot be performed remotely, employers may place you on paid leave, unpaid leave or adjusted terms. Salary payment can be stopped on the basis of mutual consent. In such cases, the law encourages flexibility and negotiation rather than harsh enforcement.
- If you fail to notify your employer – This is where employees are at risk of losing protection. If you do not explain your situation, your absence may be considered unauthorized, pay for that period may be legally withheld and you may even face dismissal after a prolonged absence. Under the law, absence for more than seven consecutive days without a valid reason can trigger dismissal.
Communication in UAE workplaces is not optional, it is a legal protection
In all the expert advice, one rule is clear and that is to inform your employer immediately. Employees are expected to:
- Notify their company about their situation
- Provide evidence where possible (flight cancellations, restrictions, etc.)
- Be available for work if possible
Failure to do so weakens your legal position, even if your situation is truly beyond your control.
Gray areas: There is no one-size-fits-all answer for salaries in the UAE
Unlike explicit labor provisions, such as termination benefits or working hours, this scenario is in a legal gray zone. The employment structure of the UAE largely depends on:
- employment contract
- company policies
- Mutual agreement between employer and employee
This means that two employees in similar circumstances may face completely different outcomes depending on their organization’s perspective. In practice, most UAE employers are opting for practical, case-by-case solutions rather than strict enforcement. These include:
- temporary remote work arrangement
- Flexible leave policies
- adjusted work expectations
This reflects a broader shift in the UAE labor ecosystem towards adaptability during crises, particularly in a region often impacted by geopolitical developments. No, your employer cannot withhold your pay just because you are stuck abroad, but they are not always legally required to continue paying you.Your result depends on three things:
- Is your absence really inevitable
- Can you continue to work remotely
- Have you maintained clear and timely communication with your employer
In a volatile global environment, your best protection is not just the law. It’s transparency, documentation, and active coordination with your workplace.