How to Register a Labour Complaint at MOHRE in Dubai?

Working in Dubai comes with employment rights and responsibilities under UAE labour law. Employers must follow the terms of employment contracts, pay salaries on time and provide the benefits required by law. However, workplace disputes can still happen. Employees may face unpaid salaries, delayed payments, unfair termination, withheld end-of-service benefits or disagreements over working hours.

If you have a problem with your employer that cannot be resolved directly, you can register a labour complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

MOHRE provides official channels for employees to report employment-related violations and seek a resolution. You can submit a complaint through its website, mobile application or Labour Claims and Advisory Call Centre.

This guide explains how to register a labour complaint at MOHRE, what information you need and what happens after submitting your request.

H2: What Is a MOHRE Labour Complaint?

A MOHRE labour complaint is a formal request submitted by an employee or employer when the other party fails to meet its legal or contractual obligations.

The Ministry reviews the dispute and attempts to resolve it through an official process. This helps employees address workplace issues without immediately starting a court case.

For example, an employee working in a Dubai-based company may register a complaint if the employer:

• Does not pay the agreed salary or delays monthly wages.
• Refuses to pay overtime when legally applicable.
• Withholds end-of-service gratuity.
• Does not provide the agreed employment benefits.
• Makes unlawful deductions from wages.
• Fails to provide annual leave or other statutory entitlements.
• Terminates employment in breach of applicable labour law.

H2: Who Can Register a Labour Complaint at MOHRE?

Employees working for private-sector companies under MOHRE’s jurisdiction can generally register a complaint when an employer violates their employment contract or UAE labour law.

You do not need to wait until your employment contract ends to report a workplace violation. You can raise a complaint while you are still employed if a genuine dispute arises.

Common situations include:

• Your employer has not transferred your salary.
• You have resigned but have not received your final settlement.
• Your employer refuses to pay an agreed contractual benefit.
• You are facing an employment dispute over termination or notice pay.
• Your employer has made deductions that you believe are unlawful.

Employers can also register complaints against employees in certain circumstances. Therefore, the service is not limited to workers.

Important: If you work for a company registered in a free zone, check its complaint procedure before applying through MOHRE. Some free zones have their own employment dispute processes. Employees working in DIFC or ADGM also follow separate employment frameworks.

H2: How to Register a Labour Complaint at MOHRE in Dubai?

You can submit your complaint without visiting a government office by using MOHRE’s official digital services. Follow these steps to register your request.

H3: Step 1: Visit the Official MOHRE Website

Visit the MOHRE official website and find the service called Register Labour Complaints – Private Sector Employees.

Make sure you select the correct service for your employment category. This helps prevent delays caused by submitting a request through the wrong channel.

H3: Step 2: Enter Your Personal and Employment Details

The online service will ask for information to identify you and verify your employment.

Depending on your application, you may need:

• Full name and nationality.
• Passport details.
• Emirates ID information.
• Work permit or labour card details.
• Date of birth and registered contact details.

Follow the verification instructions provided by the portal. Keep your mobile phone available if the system requests a one-time password (OTP).

H3: Step 3: Explain the Employment Problem

Select the relevant complaint category and describe what happened.

For example, if your employer has not paid your salary for two months, mention the unpaid months, the agreed salary and the total outstanding amount.

If your complaint concerns termination, explain when you received the termination notice and what payments or contractual obligations remain unresolved.

Keep your explanation factual. Include dates, amounts and relevant events instead of writing a general statement about unfair treatment.

H3: Step 4: Attach Supporting Documents

Upload the available documents that support your complaint. These may include:

• Employment contract or job offer.
• Salary slips and bank statements.
• Resignation or termination letter.
• Emails and WhatsApp messages with the employer.
• Attendance or overtime records.
• Previous payment records.
• Documents showing unpaid benefits or deductions.

You do not need to have every possible document before seeking assistance. However, clear evidence makes it easier to explain your position and support your claim.

H3: Step 5: Review and Submit Your Complaint

Check your personal details, complaint category and supporting information before submitting the application.

After submission, keep the complaint reference number and confirmation message. MOHRE uses these details to identify your request and provide updates.

H2: What Happens After You Submit a MOHRE Labour Complaint?

Submitting a complaint is the beginning of the dispute-resolution process. MOHRE first attempts to resolve the matter between the employee and employer.

The process generally involves the following stages:

1. Complaint registration: MOHRE receives your application and provides a reference number for follow-up.

2. Communication with both parties: A Ministry representative contacts the employee and employer to understand the dispute and explore an amicable settlement.

3. Settlement or official decision: If both parties reach an agreement, the settlement can be recorded through the Ministry. Under the applicable rules, MOHRE can also issue a final decision in qualifying cases where the claim does not exceed AED 50,000.

4. Referral to the labour court: If the parties cannot reach an agreement and the claim exceeds AED 50,000, the dispute is referred to the competent court.

Under the individual labour complaint procedure, MOHRE aims to resolve complaints within 14 days of submission. The actual time required for a dispute to reach its final outcome can depend on its complexity and whether court proceedings are necessary.

If your complaint is referred to court, pay close attention to the referral notice. The applicable procedure requires the worker to register the court case within 14 days of the referral approval.

H2: What Is the MOHRE Labour Complaint Contact Number in Dubai?

If you cannot complete the online application or need guidance about your employment dispute, you can contact MOHRE through its official communication channels.

Here are the main contact options:

Contact channel	Details
Labour Claims and Advisory Centre	80084
MOHRE Call Centre	600590000
International Call Centre	+971 6 803 4000
Email	ask@mohre.gov.ae
Website	www.mohre.gov.ae
Mobile application	MOHRE UAE

The Labour Claims and Advisory Centre at 80084 is particularly useful for workers seeking advice about labour complaints and employment-related legal matters.

MOHRE also provides multilingual assistance, including Arabic, English and Urdu.

H2: How to Check Your MOHRE Labour Complaint Status?

After registering your complaint, you should regularly check its progress so you do not miss an important update or meeting request.

You can follow up through:

• MOHRE website: Use the official inquiry services and provide the requested transaction or application details.
• MOHRE mobile application: Check available complaint and transaction information through your account.
• Customer support: Contact MOHRE and provide your complaint reference number for assistance.

Keep your registered mobile number active because the Ministry may send SMS notifications about your application, requests for additional information or scheduled communications.

H2: Important Things to Know Before Filing a Labour Complaint

Before registering your complaint, consider a few practical points that can help protect your employment rights.

Keep your employment records: Save your contract, salary statements, attendance records and communication with your employer. These documents may become important evidence during the dispute.

Do not ignore official messages: Respond to MOHRE requests and attend scheduled meetings. Missing important communications can make the process more difficult.

Check the applicable time limits: Article 54 of the UAE Labour Law provides a one-year limitation for hearing claims for employment rights after the violation. Ministerial Resolution No. 782 of 2023 also sets procedural requirements for registering individual complaints. It is best to report a violation promptly rather than waiting until the dispute becomes more complicated.

Understand your employment status: Filing a complaint does not automatically cancel your work permit or give you permission to work for another employer. If your case goes to court, check the applicable work permit and employment-status requirements with MOHRE.

Know your legal entitlements: Review your employment contract and applicable UAE labour law before calculating the amount you want to claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it free to register a labour complaint at MOHRE?

Yes. Employees can submit a labour complaint through MOHRE’s official complaint channels without paying a registration fee.

2. Can I register a labour complaint if I am still working for my employer?

Yes. You can report a contractual or legal violation while your employment is ongoing. You do not have to resign before registering a complaint.

3. How long does MOHRE take to resolve a labour complaint?

MOHRE aims to resolve individual labour complaints within 14 days of submission. If the dispute requires court proceedings, the overall resolution may take longer.

4. Can I complain to MOHRE about unpaid salary?

Yes. If your employer fails to pay your salary according to the employment contract and applicable wage regulations, you can raise a complaint through the relevant MOHRE service.

5. What should I do if my employer does not follow the MOHRE settlement?

Keep a copy of the settlement or decision and contact MOHRE for guidance. If the employer fails to comply with an enforceable decision, ask about the appropriate enforcement procedure.