If you are working in the UAE’s private sector and your employer is not paying your salary on time, withholding your end-of-service gratuity, or denying you overtime or leave entitlements, you have a right to take action. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) provides a free labour complaint service that allows employees to raise disputes directly with the government. The process is fully online and straightforward. Here is everything you need to know.
Who Can File a Labour Complaint with MOHRE?
This service is available to employees working in the UAE’s private sector only. If you work for a company based in a free zone, you cannot use MOHRE’s complaint system. In that case, you need to contact your specific free zone authority directly to raise your complaint. For all other private sector workers — whether you have a dispute over unpaid wages, overtime, end-of-service benefits, maternity leave, or any other employment matter — MOHRE is your first point of contact and the service is completely free of charge. During stressful times like a workplace dispute, it is common to receive calls from unknown numbers claiming to be from government offices or legal firms. Always verify before responding — use the Who Called Me From This Number UAE tool to check any suspicious number before sharing your personal details.
What You Need Before You Start
Before you begin the complaint process, make sure you have three key details ready. You will need your labour card number, your person code, and your passport number. The easiest way to find your labour card number and person code is to log in to the MOHRE UAE app, available on both Apple and Android devices. Sign in using your UAE PASS. Once logged in, go to your personal dashboard where you will see all your employment details including both numbers. If you cannot access the app, you can visit any Tas’heel service centre. These centres are authorised by MOHRE to assist private sector workers and can pull up your work details using your Emirates ID or passport number alone.
Step-by-Step: How to File Your Complaint Online
Once you have your three details ready, follow these steps to submit your complaint through the MOHRE website. First, visit the official MOHRE portal at mohre.gov.ae and go to the labour complaints section for private sector employees. You will be asked to verify your identity — enter your name and mobile number and click on “Send OTP.” You will receive a one-time password by SMS. Enter the OTP and click verify. Next, select your user type as “employee.” Then enter your labour card number, person code, passport number, nationality, and date of birth. The system will automatically display your employment details. Click on “add complaint” and fill in the details of your issue — whether it is a salary delay, a mismatch between your contract and actual pay, or an administrative claim. Use the dropdown menu to select the exact category for your complaint, such as overtime pay, end-of-service gratuity, or maternity leave. If your complaint involves unpaid amounts, enter the claim amount. Before you submit, you will be asked to enter the OTP one more time for final verification. Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation. Resolving a workplace dispute can take time and involve costs — a quick FAB Balance Check Online helps you stay on top of your account and plan your finances during the process.
What Happens After You Submit?
Once your complaint is submitted, a MOHRE employee will review the details and begin processing your case. They will contact you first to confirm the information provided, and then approach your employer to try to resolve the matter without involving the courts. If both parties reach an agreement at this stage, the case is closed. If not, a formal meeting will be scheduled and both sides will receive a text message with the date and time. In some cases, MOHRE may attempt a second round of direct discussions to reach a settlement. If no resolution is found even after all these steps, MOHRE will refer the case to the appropriate court for a legal decision. In certain situations, particularly where the claim requires it, the work permit may also be cancelled — this allows the employee to look for new employment while the labour case continues through the system. If you use Etisalat and want to make sure your phone stays active throughout the complaint process so you never miss an update or official call, learn How to Check Balance in Etisalat and top up before your credit runs out.
How to Contact MOHRE Directly
If you prefer not to use the online portal, or if you need help at any stage of the process, you can call MOHRE directly on their hotline number 800 60. The line is available to all private sector employees and can assist with complaint submissions, status updates, and general labour queries. You can also visit any Tas’heel service centre in person for face-to-face assistance. MOHRE’s system is designed to protect workers and ensure fair treatment across the UAE’s private sector. Knowing your rights and how to act on them is one of the most important things any employee can do.
Filing a labour complaint in the UAE is free, straightforward, and fully supported by the government. Do not stay silent if your rights are being violated. For more helpful UAE guides and the latest updates, visit Ever List.
