Labour disputes in UAE start with a MOHRE complaint — free for employees. MOHRE mediates within 14 days. If unresolved, the case is referred to the Labour Court. Employers who ignore MOHRE summons risk a work permit freeze. Most disputes involve unpaid salary, gratuity, or wrongful termination.
The MOHRE complaint process step by step
Employee files MOHRE complaint
The employee submits a complaint via the MOHRE website, app (Tasheel), or MOHRE service centre. No fee for employees. MOHRE logs the complaint and notifies the employer within 1–3 working days via email and SMS.
Employer receives MOHRE summons
A summons requires the employer (or authorised representative) to attend a conciliation session at the nearest MOHRE office within the scheduled date — typically within 7–14 days of the complaint.
MOHRE conciliation session
A MOHRE labour inspector facilitates the session. Both parties present their positions. The inspector has authority to issue an initial recommendation. If both parties agree: a settlement is signed and the complaint is closed.
Referral to Labour Court
If no settlement is reached within 14 days of the complaint, MOHRE refers the dispute to the competent Labour Court. The employee is issued a referral letter to file a court claim.
Labour Court proceedings
The Labour Court hears evidence, reviews contracts and payroll records, and issues a judgment. Appeals are possible. Judgments typically include compensation, back pay, and court costs — sometimes against the employer.
Most common UAE labour disputes
- Unpaid salary — the most frequent complaint. MOHRE cross-references WPS records; underpayment is easily verified.
- Unpaid gratuity — especially on resignation or expiry of limited-term contracts.
- Arbitrary dismissal — employee claims termination had no valid reason; employer must prove business justification.
- Unpaid annual leave cash-out — employees claim outstanding leave days not paid in final settlement.
- Non-compete violation — employer attempts to enforce an overreaching clause; employee files to have it voided.
- Withheld passport — while not a labour dispute per se, MOHRE takes passport retention complaints seriously and can refer to police.
How employers should respond to a MOHRE complaint
Never ignore a MOHRE summons. Failure to attend the conciliation session results in an automatic work permit freeze — new work permit applications are blocked until the complaint is resolved. The freeze can be lifted only after attending MOHRE or settling the dispute.
Before the conciliation session: gather the employment contract, all WPS payroll records, leave records, final settlement calculation, and any written warnings or termination letters. The more documented your position, the stronger your conciliation negotiation.
Most MOHRE conciliation sessions end in a negotiated settlement — the employer pays a portion of the claimed amount in exchange for the employee withdrawing the complaint. This is faster and cheaper than Labour Court. If your records are solid, attend with clear documentation and a reasonable settlement offer.
Received a MOHRE labour complaint?
We prepare the employer's documentation, advise on settlement position, and attend the MOHRE conciliation session with you. Fixed scope, fast turnaround.
Frequently asked questions
How does a UAE MOHRE labour complaint work?+
The employee files a complaint via MOHRE’s app or service centre. MOHRE summons the employer to a conciliation session within 14 days. If unresolved, the case is referred to the Labour Court. Ignoring a summons triggers a work permit freeze.
What is the time limit for a UAE labour claim?+
Most labour claims must be filed within 1 year of the date the right accrued (e.g., 1 year from the termination date for gratuity claims). After the limitation period, the claim is generally time-barred.
Can an employer freeze new work permits during a MOHRE dispute?+
No — but failing to attend MOHRE conciliation results in the employer’s work permit applications being frozen by MOHRE until the dispute is addressed or resolved.
What documents should an employer bring to MOHRE conciliation?+
Employment contract, all WPS payroll records for the relevant period, leave balance records, final settlement calculation, termination letter (if applicable), and any written warnings or HR documentation related to the dispute.
Can employees file MOHRE complaints for free?+
Yes. MOHRE complaints are free for employees. The complaint can be filed via the MOHRE website, Tasheel app, or in person at any MOHRE service centre.
What if the Labour Court rules against the employer?+
The employer must pay the judgment amount within the court-ordered timeframe. Failure to pay triggers enforcement proceedings — bank account freezes and asset seizure are possible through UAE courts. Appeals are available but must be filed within 30 days of the judgment.