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In the UAE, workers who feel their labor rights have been infringed, such as non-payment of wages, retention of end-of-service gratuity, unjust dismissal, or overtime working, have a formal, step-by-step grievance procedure to guarantee prompt resolution and enforcement of their rights. Staff members should initially record the dispute, try internal resolution, and then submit a formal complaint to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) or, if they are in a free zone, to the appropriate free‑zone authority. MOHRE provides several avenues for complaint submission, including a smartphone app, an online platform, WhatsApp, a call centre, and video‑call support, and seeks to resolve disputes within 14 days, after which a No Objection Certificate (NOC) is issued in case the issue isn’t resolved. Employees can approach the Labour Court after obtaining an NOC; AED 50,000 or less are decided directly by MOHRE, while those involving more go through the court system. Complaints should be lodged one year from the time of the breach, and the legal proceeding generally takes three to six months for a first‑instance ruling.
When to Lodge a Complaint
Workers can complain about labour if they have suffered the following breaches.
- Unpaid wages or delayed payment
- Withheld end-of-service gratification
- Illegal deductions or charges
- Unfair dismissal or abrupt contract cancellation
- Overworking hours or refusal of leave
- Draconian working conditions
- Discrimination or harassment
According to UAE labour law, cases have to be brought within a year of the incident date; this is when the employee realizes there has been a violation
Step 1: Document the Issue
Before submitting a complaint, get and save evidence:
- Written Correspondence: Emails, WhatsApp messages, and SMS records showing the issue.
- Employment Contract and Pay Slips: Copies of your contract, salary slips, and corresponding financial documents.
- Attendance Records: Time sheets or biometric records substantiating allegations of excessive hours or unpaid overtime.
- Witness Statements: Signed statements by colleagues or supervisors, if necessary.
Step 2: Internal Resolution
A friendly resolution is preferred to prevent formal proceedings:
- Discuss with HR or your Immediate Supervisor: Put your complaint and suggested solution in a written notice.
- Use Internal Grievance Procedures: Adhere to your company’s formal disciplinary and grievance procedures.
Step 3: Filing with MOHR
If efforts within are not fruitful, you can directly file with MOHRE through the following channels:
- MOHRE Smart App: Go to the “Complaint” service and fill out the online form.
- Online Portal: File through the complaint page of the MOHRE website.
- WhatsApp: Message MOHRE at 600590000 to start your complaint.
- Call Centre: Call 80060 for agent support.
- Video Call Service: Make an in-real-time video appointment using the MOHRE app between working hours (Mon–Thu 7:30 AM–3:00 PM; Fri 7:30 AM–12:00 PM).
- Tawseel: Home-delivery service for individuals with disabilities and others in need of support.
MOHRE works to resolve disputes within 14 days; if unresolved, they provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for escalation to court.
Step 4: Special Procedure for Free‑Zone Employees
Free zone employees (e.g., DMCC, JAFZA) are required to:
- File with the Free‑Zone Authority: Register your complaint at the specified mediation centre of your free zone.
- Get a NOC: In case mediation does not work, the authority issues an NOC, allowing you to approach MOHRE or the Labour Court.
Binding orders cannot be enforced by free-zone authorities; only the court can enforce them.
Step 5: Proceedings in the Court
Using an NOC, you can file in the Labour Court:
- Value Under AED 50,000: There is no need for court intervention; MOHRE can issue a binding judgment.
- Value Above AED 50,000: Submit to the court of first instance in the concerned emirate. Rulings normally take 3–6 months for a judgment by first instance, although complicated cases can take longer than 12 months.
Court Process Highlights
- Language: Proceedings in Arabic; interpreters may be needed.
- Fees: Court and expert fees are typically paid by the claimant, unless otherwise ordered.
- Interest: Courts can award interest up to 5% discretionary.
- Enforcement: To enforce a judgment, make an application to the Execution Court in the concerned emirate.
Other Tips and Resources
- Legal Consultation: For complicated or high-value cases, use a lawyer who is an expert in UAE labour law.
- Support Centres: Legal aid clinics are provided by some free zones and MOHRE service centres.
- Wage Protection System (WPS): Confirm salary payments through WPS reports to identify non-payment problems.
- Labour Market Observatory: Obtain quarterly industry reports and indices through MOHRE’s portal for knowledge on dispute trends
