Employer paid partial salary and later deducted it as loan in this month salary, Need advice how to handle this better
I work in the UAE and need advice on how to handle a salary issue without immediately risking my job.
Last month, my employer informed all employees they would only pay part of the salary and the remaining amount would be paid later due to business conditions. Since many of our clients are hotels, I understood the situation and did not raise a complaint.
However, at month end, the company suddenly paid me an additional amount. The money was auto-debited toward my credit card dues the same day. The next morning, management asked me to return that amount and later stated that management had “never approved” that payment.
This month, they paid everyone their full salary but deducted a large amount from my salary, saying it was recovery of a “loan” taken last month. But the amount deducted was actually part of my salary payment, not a loan.
I later learned the company is still making decent profit and may simply be passing financial pressure onto employees.
I do not want to lose my current job, but I also do not want to be taken advantage of further.
If I don't get paid then I would default my rent due for this month, and my landlord charges AED 2,000 etc for cheque default and gives maximum 1 month, then thrown out won't even let us take our things.
What would be the best way to handle this professionally in the UAE? Should I first document everything and approach HR/management again, or should I consider speaking with MOHRE if this continues?
Please note: I am not looking for any handouts.