Check How to Apply for Your Unpaid Wages Now That Penalties Are Tougher

Does a tougher penalty mean the wages get paid right away?

The Ministry of Employment and Labor's second-half 2026 guidance explains the tougher punishment for unpaid wages and unpaid severance. Even with a higher criminal penalty ceiling, wages are not automatically deposited into a worker's account. Whether the money is actually recovered is something to check separately.

Where do you file a petition?

You can file an unpaid-wage petition online on the Ministry of Employment and Labor's Labor Portal, or visit the customer support office of the local labor office with jurisdiction over your workplace to get advice. Sorting out the following before you file makes it easier to explain.

• The months the wages went unpaid and the original payment dates
• The gap between the agreed amount and what was actually deposited
• Whichever you have of your contract, pay stubs and deposit records

What happens after you file?

After you file, it proceeds in this order.

1. A labor inspector summons the parties and investigates.
2. If a violation is confirmed, the employer is given a corrective order.
3. If it is corrected, for example by payment, the case is closed.
4. If the employer doesn't comply with the corrective order, it can lead to a criminal case, an investigation and referral to the prosecutors.

Keep your filing number, and respond right away if you're asked for additional materials.

What should you ask about if the company keeps failing to pay?

The Labor Portal also describes other routes, such as substitute payment by the government and a civil lawsuit. Who is eligible, the limits, and the application deadline differ by route and need to be checked separately. Ask your local labor office or the Ministry of Employment and Labor at 1350 which support you can apply for with your own arrears confirmation documents. The date checked is 2026-10-10.