UAE Labour Law: How To File/Track A Complaint Via MOHRE

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), formerly known as the Ministry of Labour, is dedicated to ensuring the application of labor rights and resolving workplace disputes. In the UAE, there are special laws in place to protect the rights of employees. Here’s a step-by-step approach to filing a MOHRE complaint, as well as an explanation of the circumstances that may necessitate it.

WHEN CAN AN EMPLOYEE FILE A COMPLAINT IN THE UAE?

The UAE Labour Law (Federal Law No. 8 of 1980) includes various clauses that govern the rights of labours. Employees have the right to report their employers upon violation of these stipulations:

• You don’t have a safe and secure environment to work in.
• You are not given annual leaves and are not allowed to take leave on public holidays.
• There are delays in wages or salary.
• Pregnant employees are not given maternity leave.
• The employer is holding an employee’s passport.
• You are made to work for more than 8 or 9 hours a day.
• At the time of resignation, you are not given gratuity pay, despite working for the required period in the company.
• You are not given a 30-day grace period after the termination of your employment contract.
• You are asked to repay employment visa costs.

HOW TO FILE A MOHRE COMPLAINT

There is a very transparent and convenient procedure to complain through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Once you file a complaint, the department looks into the issue, communicates with both parties and settles the dispute.

MOHRE CALL CENTRE

• Contact the MOHRE call centre at 80060.
• The customer care representative will answer your queries and try to handle the complaint.
• If they cannot address your concerns straight away, your complaint will be forwarded to the Department of Complaints and Advice.
• If resolved by the department, the case will be closed.
• If not handled successfully, the person in charge will guide you to file an official complaint, leading to a court case.

MOHRE ONLINE COMPLAINT OPTION

Both employees and employers can lodge a complaint using the MOHRE official website or mobile app. The process requires you to:

• Visit the MOHRE website or download the app
• Select either ‘Salary Complaint’ or ‘Labour Complaint’
• Register as a user with your mobile number
• Add complaint details and submit
• Once your application has been submitted, you will receive a call from a legal advisor working for the Twa-fouq centre within 72 hours.

TWA-FOUQ SERVICE CENTRES

Twa-fouq service centres are licenced to receive MOHRE complaints. They perform the initial investigation, provide recommendations to the ministry and find an amicable solution. They can arrange a discussion with both parties over the phone or a meeting with a legal advisor.

The request is forwarded to the court if a resolution is not agreed upon between the relevant parties within two weeks. Moreover, these service centres also reply to inquiries regarding work relations and provide legal advice.

LABOUR COURTS

A case memo outlining a summary of the dispute is also provided to the court by the Twa-fouq service centre. This includes comments from the labour department and evidence from both parties. The court will fix a hearing date. The court may request a labour department representative to appear and explain the case details if required. Subsequently, a judgement will be made on the matter.

MOHRE COMPLAINT TRACKING

Here is how you can check the MOHRE complaint status:

• Visit the MOHRE Services section
• Visit the official portal
• Add your Complaint Reference Number
• Click Submit
• This will give you a status update on your complaint. One can also use the App or phone the call centre for MOHRE complaint tracking.

WHAT IS THE FEE TO BE PAID BY THE COMPLAINANT?

MOHRE complaint services are provided at no cost. However, if a corporation is subject to a claim, fees may apply. If the claimed sum exceeds AED 100,000, a court fee of 5% of the claimed amount will be levied. AED 20,000 is the maximum fee that can be charged.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT LABOUR LAWS IN THE UAE?

Those who live in the UAE can work for either the government or the private sector. Here is an outline of the private sector labor regulations to help you understand worker rights in the UAE. You can also learn more about labor permit renewals.

HOW LONG CAN I STAY IN THE UAE AFTER MY VISA EXPIRES?

Visitor visas cannot be overstayed. After your visa expires, you must leave the country or pay overstay fines. Check your UAE visa status online by passport number to avoid overstaying.

UAE citizens get a grace period of 60–180 days, depending on their visa type.

Our blog on MOHRE complaint filing in the UAE concludes. MOHRE e-Services is very beneficial. Check your labour card online to learn about UAE work restrictions.