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UAE Labour Law Guide

How to File a MOHRE Complaint in the UAE

If your employer has violated UAE labour law — delayed your salary, dismissed you unfairly, or withheld your end-of-service dues — MOHRE is your first point of resolution. Here is the complete process.

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Eligibility

Who can file a MOHRE complaint?

MOHRE complaints are available to any employee working under a mainland UAE employer regulated by the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation. This includes most private-sector workers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and all other emirates.

Private-sector mainland employees
Domestic workers (Tadbeer-regulated)
✕DIFC and ADGM employees
✕Free zone workers (JAFZA, DAFZA, etc.)
✕Government and public sector employees

Before you file

Gathering these will strengthen your complaint and avoid delays.

  • Employment contract (original or copy)
  • Emirates ID and passport copy
  • Last 3 months' payslips
  • Bank statements showing salary deposits
  • Any written correspondence about the dispute
  • Termination letter (if applicable)
Process

The 6 steps to filing a MOHRE complaint

From gathering your documents to enforcement, here is what the process looks like — and what to expect at each stage.

Step 01

Gather your documents

Collect your employment contract, Emirates ID, passport copy, payslips, and any written communication relevant to the dispute (messages, emails, warning letters).

Without an employment contract, MOHRE will use the standard UAE Labour Law terms. You do not need a physical contract to file.

Step 02

Submit the complaint

File online at mohre.gov.ae, via the MOHRE app (iOS/Android), or in person at any MOHRE service centre. The process is free.

Choose the correct violation type: Wage Protection, Arbitrary Dismissal, End-of-Service Dues, Contractual Violation, or Other.

Step 03

MOHRE contacts your employer

MOHRE notifies your employer and schedules a mediation session — usually within 3–5 working days of complaint submission.

You will receive an SMS with your complaint reference number and the scheduled session date.

Step 04

Attend the mediation session

Both parties meet with a MOHRE labour officer who tries to reach an amicable settlement. Most wage disputes are resolved at this stage.

You can attend in person or via the MOHRE app video feature. Bring all documents. If your employer does not attend, MOHRE may rule in your favour.

Step 05

Settlement or referral to court

If a settlement is reached, it is documented and binding. If no agreement is reached within 2 weeks, MOHRE refers the case to the Labour Court.

Court referral is automatic — you do not need to file again. Labour court cases for claims up to AED 100,000 are generally free for employees.

Step 06

Enforce the outcome

If your employer violates a settlement or court order, MOHRE can impose fines, suspend the employer's licence, and pursue enforcement.

Keep your complaint reference number and all settlement documents. MOHRE's Wage Protection System tracks employer compliance automatically.
Coverage

Common violations MOHRE resolves

Each violation type maps to a specific article of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (the UAE Labour Law). Citing the relevant article strengthens your complaint.

Salary delay or non-payment

WPS — Art. 18 Federal Decree-Law 33/2021

Wrongful or arbitrary dismissal

Art. 47 Federal Decree-Law 33/2021

Non-payment of end-of-service gratuity

Art. 51 Federal Decree-Law 33/2021

Forced resignation / constructive dismissal

Art. 45 Federal Decree-Law 33/2021

Annual leave not granted or unpaid

Art. 29 Federal Decree-Law 33/2021

Overtime not compensated

Art. 19 Federal Decree-Law 33/2021

Maternity leave violations

Art. 30 Federal Decree-Law 33/2021

Non-compete clause overreach

Art. 10 Federal Decree-Law 33/2021

Time limits apply

UAE Labour Law sets a 1-year limitation period for filing employment claims. Do not wait — the clock runs from the date the violation occurred, or from your last working day if you have already left the job.

FAQ

Common questions about MOHRE complaints

How long does MOHRE take to resolve a complaint?

MOHRE aims to resolve complaints within 2 weeks. If no settlement is reached, the case is referred to the Labour Court within 2 weeks of the failed mediation. Court proceedings typically take 1–3 months.

Can I file a complaint if my employer hasn't paid my salary?

Yes. If your salary is delayed by more than 10 days from the agreed payment date, you can file a Wage Protection complaint. Employers face fines and licence suspension for WPS violations.

Can I file if I am on a free zone visa?

No. MOHRE handles mainland UAE employers only. Free zone employees (DIFC, ADGM, JAFZA, etc.) must file through their respective free zone authority.

Do I need a lawyer to file?

No. MOHRE complaints are free and do not require legal representation. However, having your documents organised and facts clearly stated significantly improves outcomes.

Can my employer cancel my visa after I file?

Filing a MOHRE complaint does not authorise retaliatory visa cancellation. If your employer attempts this, it constitutes a separate violation and MOHRE has protections against it during active proceedings.

What happens if mediation fails?

MOHRE automatically refers the case to the competent Labour Court. No further filing is needed. Claims up to AED 100,000 are generally free for employees to pursue in court.

Continue reading

Wrongful Termination in the UAE — Know Your RightsCalculate your end-of-service gratuity before you leave the jobYour landlord added some clauses to the contract.

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