Salary Delayed or Unpaid in Egypt? A 2026 Guide to Wages, Evidence and Employee Rights
For employees covered by Egypt's Labour Law No. 14 of 2025 who are paid monthly, Article 108 regulates payment of wages at least once each month and prohibits withholding an employee's wage or part of it without a legal basis.
If your salary is delayed or unpaid, identify each unpaid period and amount, confirm the usual payment method, and organize your employment contract, payroll records, bank transfers and relevant communications.
A delayed salary dispute does not always involve the same legal issue. It may concern one unpaid month, several months, part of the salary, commission, allowances, or a deduction that the employer considers justified but the employee disputes.
Before filing a complaint or signing a settlement, separate each financial amount and identify the relevant period, supporting document and basis for the claim. You can also review Egypt's New Labour Law No. 14 of 2025 for a broader overview of employment rights.
When Should Salary Be Paid Under Egyptian Labour Law?
Article 108 of Labour Law No. 14 of 2025 regulates the payment of wages and other amounts due to employees according to the method used to calculate their pay.
| Situation | General Rule | What to Review |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly-paid employee | Wages are paid at least once each month. | Usual payday, employment contract, payroll statement and bank transfer. |
| Production or commission-based pay | Specific rules apply to advances and the remaining wage depending on the work period. | Sales or production records, commission formula and previous payments. |
| After employment ends | Wages and other amounts due must be paid within no more than seven days from the employee's request. | Employment end date, request date and outstanding financial amounts. |
Can an Employer Withhold an Employee's Salary?
Article 108 prohibits withholding an employee's wage or part of it without a legal basis. This does not mean that every deduction is automatically unlawful; deductions and adjustments may be governed by separate legal rules.
If the issue concerns a deduction rather than complete non-payment, request a clear explanation of the reason and amount, and keep the relevant payroll record or written correspondence.
What Should You Do If Your Salary Is Delayed?
Identify the Unpaid Period
List each unpaid month and its usual payment date.
Separate the Amounts
Distinguish base salary from commission, incentives and allowances.
Collect Wage Evidence
Keep the contract, payslips, payroll records and bank transfers.
Document Your Request
Keep a written request asking about the delayed payment.
Keep the Employer's Response
Save written explanations or promises concerning payment.
Organize the File
Prepare a timeline of events, amounts and supporting documents.
What Documents May Help Prove an Unpaid Salary?
Article 115 regulates evidence of wage payment, making payment records particularly important when a salary dispute arises.
| Document | What It May Help Show |
|---|---|
| Employment Contract | Agreed wage, job role and payment terms if stated. |
| Bank Statement | Regular previous salary transfers and missing transfers for the disputed period. |
| Payslips or Payroll Records | Base salary, allowances, incentives and deductions. |
| Receipts or Signed Payroll Records | Amounts actually received and payment dates. |
| Emails or Work Messages | Discussions concerning salary, delay or a promised payment date. |
| Attendance or Work Assignments | Continued performance of work during the disputed period. |
How Can an Employee Prove the Salary Amount?
In a wage dispute, proving that an employment relationship existed may not always establish the exact salary amount. Keep documents that show the wage agreed upon or regularly paid.
These may include the employment contract, payroll records, bank transfers, payment receipts, offer letters and HR communications concerning salary.
What If There Is No Written Employment Contract?
The absence of a written contract may make evidence more complicated, but other records may still be relevant to the employment relationship and salary.
Salary transfers, work messages, company email, attendance, employee identification and written assignments may become particularly important depending on the case.
What Is the Difference Between Delayed Salary and Other Dues?
Avoid using one general figure for all “employment dues” without separating the individual items.
| Item | Examples | What Should Be Clarified? |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | Agreed monthly wage | Month, amount, due date and payment method. |
| Commission | Sales commission or agreed percentage | Eligibility conditions and calculation method. |
| Incentives and Allowances | Incentive, transportation allowance or other benefit | Basis of entitlement and supporting policy or document. |
| Amounts Due After Employment Ends | Outstanding wages or financial amounts | End date of employment and date of the payment request. |
What Happens to Outstanding Wages When Employment Ends?
Article 108 provides for payment of the employee's wage and other amounts due within no more than seven days from the employee's request after the employment relationship ends.
Keep proof of the employment end date and the date on which payment was requested, and separate salary, commission, incentives and other financial items.
How Should You Prepare an Unpaid Salary Complaint?
A clearer complaint focuses on specific facts rather than general statements. Start with employment information, then identify the amount, disputed period and previous requests.
Employment Details
Employer name, workplace, start date and job title.
Salary Amount
Agreed wage and normal payment method.
Unpaid Period
Identify each unpaid month or period.
Previous Requests
Keep written requests for payment and employer responses.
Supporting Documents
Contract, bank transfers, payroll records and relevant correspondence.
Requested Outcome
State each claimed amount clearly rather than using one unexplained total.
You can also read How to File a Labor Office Complaint Online in Egypt for additional guidance on organizing the complaint and supporting documents.
When May You Need an Employment Lawyer?
Legal review may be particularly useful when several months remain unpaid, the amount is significant, the salary figure is disputed, there is no written contract, or the matter is connected with resignation, settlement or termination.
Qanoony Online does not provide legal advice directly. It helps users browse independent lawyers and legal consultants, compare available professional information, and book through the app.
Frequently Asked Questions About Delayed or Unpaid Salary
Can a monthly salary be delayed in Egypt?
Article 108 regulates payment of wages for monthly-paid employees at least once each month.
How can I prove that my salary was not paid?
Bank statements, payroll records, payslips, payment receipts and written communications concerning salary may help clarify the dispute.
Can I claim salary without a written contract?
The absence of a written contract may make evidence more complicated, so other records concerning employment and wages become more important depending on the case.
When are outstanding dues payable after employment ends?
Article 108 regulates payment of wages and other amounts due within no more than seven days from the employee's request after employment ends.
Does Qanoony Online file the labor complaint?
No. Qanoony Online is a digital platform rather than a government authority or law firm. It helps users reach independent lawyers and legal consultants and book consultations or available services through the app.
When may I need an employment lawyer?
Legal review may be useful where the wage amount is disputed, several months remain unpaid, there is no written contract, or the matter also involves resignation, settlement or termination.
