Filing a labour complaint in UAE is the official route available to both employees and employers who want to resolve a workplace dispute through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Whether the issue involves unpaid wages, unfair dismissal, or a breach of contract terms, MOHRE provides a structured complaint process that begins with free mediation to help protect the rights of workers and employers in the UAE’s private sector.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from checking your eligibility to understanding what happens after your case is filed.
Who Can File a Labour Complaint in UAE
Private-sector employees, domestic workers, and employers whose employment relationship is governed by MOHRE can file a labour complaint in UAE. This includes full-time, part-time, temporary, flexible, and other eligible workers covered by the UAE Labour Law.
Employers may also submit complaints relating to employment disputes, such as breach of contract or unauthorized absence, through the appropriate MOHRE procedures. An authorised representative or legal heir may also file or continue certain claims on behalf of a worker, subject to MOHRE’s requirements.
If you work for a company in a free zone, check which authority governs your employment. Financial free zones such as DIFC and ADGM have their own employment laws and dispute-resolution systems, while many other free zones remain subject to MOHRE for labour matters. Always verify the authority listed in your employment contract before filing a complaint.
Common Reasons to File a Labour Complaint in UAE
A labour complaint in the UAE can be filed for a wide range of workplace disputes covered by the UAE Labour Law. Understanding whether your issue falls within MOHRE’s jurisdiction can help you avoid delays and ensure your complaint is submitted through the correct channel.
Common reasons include unpaid or delayed wages, non-payment of end-of-service benefits, unlawful or arbitrary dismissal, disputes over employment contract terms, forced resignation, unsafe working conditions, passport retention by an employer, and other violations of the UAE Labour Law. Most private-sector employers regulated by MOHRE are also required to pay salaries through the Wage Protection System (WPS), allowing MOHRE to verify salary payment records electronically when handling disputes.
Employers may also file labour complaints relating to employment disputes, including breach of contract, unauthorized absence from work, or other violations of employment obligations by employees.
Documents Needed Before Filing a Labour Complaint in UAE
Before submitting a labour complaint in the UAE, gather the necessary documents so your case can be reviewed and processed more efficiently.
You will generally need your Emirates ID, employment contract, work permit details, and evidence supporting your claim, such as salary records, bank statements, or payslips showing unpaid wages. If applicable, keep copies of resignation or termination letters, emails, WhatsApp messages, or other written correspondence with your employer, along with any additional documents relevant to the dispute.
Since MOHRE can access employment records already registered in its system, providing accurate personal and employment details can help speed up verification during the complaint process.
Deadlines for Filing a Labour Complaint in UAE
Timing is important when filing a labour complaint in the UAE, as some employment claims are subject to statutory time limits.
Under Article 54(9) of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, claims relating to unpaid wages must generally be filed within two years from the date the wages became due. After this period, the right to claim those wages is generally lost.
For other employment disputes—such as termination, end-of-service benefits, or breaches of the employment contract—the UAE Labour Law does not prescribe the same two-year limitation period for filing a complaint with MOHRE. However, employees are encouraged to raise disputes promptly so they can be resolved while relevant evidence and records remain available.
Official Channels to File a Labour Complaint in UAE
MOHRE provides several free channels for submitting a labour complaint in the UAE, allowing employees and employers to choose the option that best suits their needs.
You can file a complaint online through the MOHRE website or mobile app, typically by signing in with UAE Pass or another supported login method. Complaints can also be submitted by calling MOHRE’s 24-hour customer service centre, or by visiting a Tas’heel or Twa-fouq service centre for in-person assistance. MOHRE also offers official digital communication channels, including WhatsApp, for information and customer support.
The 24-hour MOHRE customer service centre provides assistance in multiple languages and can help with labour complaints, salary-related issues, employment inquiries, and guidance on the complaint process.
Step-by-Step Process to File a Labour Complaint in UAE
Filing a labour complaint in the UAE online is a straightforward process once you have gathered the necessary documents.
Sign in to the MOHRE website or mobile app, typically using UAE Pass, and select the option to submit a labour complaint. If your employment is registered with MOHRE, the system may automatically retrieve your employment details. Review the information carefully, update your contact details if required, describe the nature of your dispute, specify any amount being claimed, and upload any supporting documents before submitting your complaint.
After submission, MOHRE will issue a reference or transaction number that you can use to track the status of your complaint online or when contacting MOHRE customer support.
What Happens After You File a Labour Complaint in UAE
After a labour complaint is submitted in the UAE, MOHRE notifies the employer and begins a review process with the aim of reaching an amicable settlement.
MOHRE officials generally contact both parties and may conduct mediation by phone, online, or in person, depending on the circumstances. If the dispute cannot be resolved during the initial review, both parties may be asked to provide supporting evidence and participate in mediation facilitated by a MOHRE officer. If an agreement is reached, the case is closed. If no settlement is achieved, MOHRE may refer the dispute to the competent labour court in accordance with the UAE Labour Law.
Mediation and Binding Decisions in a Labour Complaint in UAE
Mediation is a key stage in resolving a labour complaint in the UAE, with MOHRE first attempting to help both parties reach an amicable settlement.
For eligible labour disputes with a claim value of up to AED 50,000, MOHRE may issue a decision in accordance with the UAE Labour Law. That decision may be appealed before the competent Court of Appeal within the legally prescribed period. If a dispute cannot be resolved through mediation and falls outside MOHRE’s decision-making authority, MOHRE refers the case to the competent labour court so it can be heard through the judicial process.
If both parties reach a settlement during mediation, MOHRE records the agreement, closes the complaint, and the parties are expected to comply with the agreed terms, including any payment obligations
Referral to Labour Court After a Labour Complaint in UAE
If mediation does not resolve a labour complaint in the UAE, MOHRE may refer the dispute to the competent labour court for judicial determination.
The referral includes a memorandum summarising the dispute, the parties’ positions, and the information gathered during MOHRE’s mediation process. Once the case is registered, the competent labour court is required to schedule the first hearing within three working days, in accordance with the UAE Labour Law.
If your case is referred to court, it is advisable to complete the required registration procedures promptly. Court proceedings are conducted in Arabic, so employment contracts, emails, or other documents in another language may need to be translated by a certified legal translator before they can be submitted as evidence
Filing a Labour Complaint in UAE as a Free Zone or Domestic Worker
Not every dispute follows the standard MOHRE pathway, so it’s worth confirming which system applies to your specific situation before you file.
Employees in free zones such as DIFC or ADGM fall under separate employment regulations and must file through their respective free zone courts rather than MOHRE. Domestic workers are covered by Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 concerning Domestic Workers, which provides a separate legal framework from the UAE Labour Law. Employment disputes involving domestic workers are generally handled through MOHRE’s complaint and mediation process, with unresolved cases referred to the competent courts. Tadbeer centres may assist with certain employment-related services but are not the primary authority for resolving labour disputes.Tips for a Smooth Labour Complaint in UAE.
A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your labour complaint in UAE moving without unnecessary delays.
File as early as possible once a dispute arises, rather than waiting to see if the situation resolves on its own. Keep every document organised, including your contract, payslips, and any written communication with your employer. Respond promptly to any requests from MOHRE for additional information, and attend mediation sessions when scheduled, since most cases are resolved at this stage without needing to reach court.
Final Thoughts
Raising a labour complaint in UAE doesn’t have to be overwhelming once you understand the channels, documents, and timelines involved. MOHRE’s process is built to be accessible and free for both employees and employers, offering a genuine path to resolving workplace disputes fairly. If your situation is complex or involves a significant claim amount, consulting an employment lawyer alongside the MOHRE process can help you build a stronger case and avoid procedural mistakes.