Navigating labour-related concerns in the UAE is made easier through the comprehensive MOHRE enquiry system. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) provides employers and employees with a robust framework for addressing questions, resolving disputes, and ensuring compliance with UAE labour laws. From wage protection to dispute resolution, MOHRE’s services are designed to foster a fair and harmonious work environment.
This guide focuses on the specifics of submitting and tracking MOHRE inquiries, detailing the required documentation, the various channels for contacting MOHRE, and the types of inquiries you can submit. Additionally, we’ll explore the full range of services MOHRE offers to support individuals and businesses. By understanding these processes, you’ll be equipped to manage your labour-related concerns efficiently and effectively.
What is the MOHRE?
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) is a government body in the United Arab Emirates responsible for regulating employment relations, labour laws, and workforce management in the private sector. MOHRE’s overarching mission is to protect the rights of both employees and employers, enhance the competitiveness of the UAE’s labour market, and foster a harmonious relationship between the two parties.
Services Provided by the MOHRE
The MOHRE offers a diverse array of services that cater to the extensive needs of the labour market. These services are readily accessible through its user-friendly website, which allows for streamlined navigation and application by category. Additionally, MOHRE provides a mobile application for enhanced convenience, making it easy to access on smartphones.
The MOHRE offers a wide range of services that cater to both employees and employers, ensuring compliance with UAE labour laws and fostering a fair work environment. Below is an overview of the key services provided:
1. Labour Contract Enquiry
This service allows employees to verify contract validity, view work history, and check salary details and job titles using their passports and transaction numbers.
2. Work Permit Status Enquiry
Expats can use this service to track the status of their work permits, ensuring all documentation remains up to date.
3. Wage Protection System (WPS)
The Wage Protection System (WPS) is an electronic monitoring system that ensures wages are paid promptly and transparently, safeguarding workers’ financial rights and preventing wage disputes.
4. Labour Complaint Status Enquiry
This service provides updates on registered complaints, including ongoing investigations and hearing outcomes, offering employees a transparent mechanism for resolving grievances.
5. Labour Market Regulation
MOHRE ensures compliance with UAE labour laws by issuing labour permits and visas for expatriates. This helps regulate the substantial expatriate workforce and ensures legal employment practices.
6. Dispute Resolution Services
MOHRE offers mediation and conciliation services to resolve labour disputes efficiently. These services are crucial for maintaining a stable and fair work environment, providing a platform for both employers and employees to resolve conflicts.
7. Inspections and Compliance
Regular inspections of private sector companies ensure adherence to labour laws. Inspectors review contracts, interview employees, and enforce penalties for violations.
8. Establishment Enquiry
Employers can check compliance with labour-related obligations, such as licence validity and the status of registered employees.
9. Quota Enquiry
This service helps businesses understand Emiratisation quotas for certain job categories, enabling effective workforce planning.
10. Absconding Case Enquiry
Employers can check the status of absconding cases filed against employees, a crucial step in managing workforce integrity.
12. Health and Safety Regulations
MOHRE enforces strict workplace health and safety regulations to ensure worker protection. A key initiative is ‘The Midday Break Rule’, which prohibits outdoor labour between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM from June 15 to September 15. This rule safeguards workers from extreme heat during the summer. These measures are essential for maintaining the well-being and safety of workers across the UAE.
13. Labour Advisory Services
Employees can lodge complaints about breaches of labour laws through multiple channels, including the MOHRE website, mobile app, and call centres.
14. Auto-Refund Service
This system automates refunds for certain transactions, ensuring faster processing and minimal manual intervention.
15. Alternative End-of-Service Benefits System (Savings Scheme)
This scheme simplifies the management of end-of-service benefits for employees, ensuring they receive their rightful entitlements in a structured way.
16. Basic Health Insurance Scheme
MOHRE supports workers’ well-being by offering a scheme that ensures access to essential healthcare services.
How to Make an Enquiry or Lodge a Complaint via MoHRE
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) provides a structured and user-friendly system for addressing both general inquiries and formal complaints. Whether you are an employee seeking clarity on a labour matter or an employer dealing with compliance issues, MOHRE offers multiple channels and tools to ensure your concerns are resolved efficiently.
MOHRE provides a variety of channels for submitting inquiries or complaints, catering to both digital and in-person preferences:
1. Customer’s Voice System
Access the “Customer’s Voice” section on the MOHRE website to submit feedback or complaints directly to the Ministry.
2. Call Centre
Contact MOHRE’s 24/7 multilingual hotline at 600590000 for immediate assistance. This channel supports a wide range of concerns, from simple inquiries to detailed complaints.
3. Live Chat and Email
Use the live chat feature on the MOHRE website or send your concerns via email to ask@mohre.gov.ae.
4. In-Person Visits
Visit a MOHRE service centre to file your enquiry or complaint directly. Ensure you bring all relevant documentation for faster processing.
5. Mobile App
Submit inquiries or complaints through the MOHRE app, which provides a convenient, on-the-go option for managing labour concerns. Click here to download the MOHRE app on the Apple app store, and here to download on the Google app store.
6. Tawseel Services
For individuals unable to visit service centres—such as the elderly, pregnant women, or People of Determination—MOHRE offers Tawseel Services. This service provides personalised assistance, including document collection and submission, directly at your location.
Steps to Submit a MOHRE Enquiry or Complaint
Whether using the website, mobile app, or other channels, the process for submitting an enquiry or complaint is straightforward:
1. Log In
- Access the MOHRE website or app and log in using your Emirates ID or credentials.
- For in-person or Tawseel services, ensure you have identification and supporting documents ready.
2. Select the Service
- Navigate to the “Inquiries and Complaints” section.
- Choose the appropriate type of service, such as labour contract inquiries, work permit tracking, or lodging a formal complaint.
3. Provide Documentation
Accurate documentation is essential to ensure your enquiry or complaint is processed efficiently. You may need:
- Emirates ID: For identity verification.
- Passport and Visa Details: To confirm your employment or residency status.
- Labour Contract: For issues related to contracts, salary, or job titles.
- Supporting Evidence: Any relevant documents, such as payslips, emails, photos, or official correspondence, that support your claim.
Only submissions by the concerned individual or their authorised representative are processed to maintain privacy and security.
4. Confirmation and Tracking
- Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation number via SMS or email.
- Use this reference number to track the status of your enquiry or complaint through the website or app.
Types of Inquiries and Complaints
MOHRE handles a wide range of inquiries and complaints, including:
- Labour Contract Inquiries: Verify contract validity, salary details, and job titles.
- Work Permit Tracking: Monitor the status of permits.
- Complaint Status Updates: Check the progress of formal grievances or hearings.
- Wage Disputes: Address issues of non-payment or delayed salaries.
- Health and Safety Violations: Report unsafe working conditions or breaches of workplace regulations.
- Administrative Penalties: Appeal fines or other penalties related to labour law violations.
- Collective Labour Disputes: For cases involving 50 or more workers, MOHRE facilitates mediation and appoints representatives to work toward resolution. If unresolved, disputes are escalated to the Collective Labour Disputes Committee.
Complaint Processing, Appeals, and Escalation
1. Processing and Resolutions
- MOHRE aims to resolve disputes promptly, often directly mediating claims involving sums below AED 50,000 or disputes related to non-compliance.
- If a resolution through mediation is not possible, the matter is referred to court within two weeks with a comprehensive summary of the dispute.
2. Appeals
- If you disagree with MOHRE’s decision, you can file an appeal with the Court of Appeal within 15 working days.
- During this process, the Ministry’s decision is suspended, and the court ruling will be final and binding.
3. Further Compensation
If an employee continues to work during court proceedings, they may be eligible for up to two months’ wages, as determined by MOHRE.
Tracking and Support for Your Enquiry or Complaint
Tips for a Smooth Process
- Be Prepared: Ensure you have all necessary documentation, such as your Emirates ID, passport, and supporting evidence, before starting the process.
- Use the Right Channel: For urgent matters, use the call centre or live chat for immediate support.
- Track Your Progress: Always note your confirmation number and enable notifications to stay informed.
Common Issues Addressed by MOHRE
MOHRE provides essential support for resolving various labour-related concerns in the UAE. Here are some of the most common issues addressed:
Employment Contracts
MOHRE ensures that employment agreements meet legal standards, covering key aspects such as:
- Work hours: Typically capped at 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week, with reduced hours during Ramadan.
- Employee rights: Breaks, overtime compensation, weekly days off, and annual leave entitlements are safeguarded.
Example: A retail worker in Dubai files a complaint after their employer repeatedly denies the weekly day off mandated by the contract. The MOHRE mediates, resulting in the employer compensating the worker and adhering to the agreement.
Wage Protection System (WPS)
Through the WPS, MOHRE ensures that wages are paid on time and in full. Non-compliance is handled promptly via MOHRE’s reporting channels.
Example: An engineering firm in Abu Dhabi delays salaries for three months. Following a WPS report, MOHRE intervenes, ensuring wages are paid and the employer is fined.
Workplace Dispute Resolution
MOHRE mediates disputes between employers and employees, often resolving issues within two weeks. If necessary, unresolved matters are referred to the courts.
Example: A group of construction workers in Sharjah reports unpaid overtime. MOHRE’s mediation ensures they receive their overdue payments and the employer commits to future compliance.
Health and Safety Regulations
MOHRE enforces workplace health and safety standards, including:
- Restrictions on outdoor work during peak summer hours.
- Compliance with anti-discrimination laws to protect workers.
Example: A building site in Dubai is reported for unsafe working conditions. MOHRE conducts an inspection, imposes sanctions, and ensures the company improves safety measures.
Initiatives and Regulatory Contributions by MOHRE
In addition to providing a wide range of services, MOHRE undertakes significant initiatives and enforces regulations to improve labour standards and enhance the UAE’s labour market. These initiatives demonstrate MOHRE’s commitment to innovation, global compliance, and fostering a fair and competitive workforce environment.
1. Digital Consultation and Innovation Portal
MOHRE encourages public engagement through its Digital Consultation and Innovation Portal, which allows individuals and businesses to provide feedback and propose innovative ideas. This initiative aims to continually enhance the services MOHRE offers and align them with the evolving needs of the UAE’s labour market.
2. Implementation of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021
MOHRE plays a pivotal role in enforcing Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, which governs labour relations in the UAE. This legislation strengthens the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees, promoting a fair and harmonious work environment. Key provisions include regulations on working hours, overtime, annual leave, and dispute resolution.
As part of its commitment to workforce welfare, the law also includes the Involuntary Loss of Employment (ILOE) Insurance Scheme, an initiative designed to provide financial stability to employees during periods of unemployment. This scheme offers monetary compensation of up to 60% of the employee’s average basic salary for up to three months, ensuring that individuals maintain a decent standard of living while seeking new employment. Employees must subscribe to the scheme through approved channels and meet specific eligibility requirements, such as contributing to the scheme for 12 consecutive months.
3. International Labour Standards
MOHRE’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights aligns with International Labour Organization (ILO) standards, which the UAE has upheld as an ILO member since 1972. Key conventions, such as those addressing forced labour, discrimination, and child labour, are reflected in UAE labour laws, including Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
By adhering to these global standards, MOHRE ensures its enquiry services provide employees and employers with a fair and transparent process for resolving disputes, checking compliance, and upholding workplace rights.
4. Emirates Labour Market Award
Organised by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, the Emirates Labour Market Award recognises outstanding contributions to the UAE’s labour market. This prestigious award aims to:
- Promote competitiveness within the labour market
- Highlight best practices in the workplace
- Increase productivity and innovation
By celebrating exemplary achievements, MOHRE encourages organisations to uphold high labour standards and contribute positively to the UAE’s workforce through this award.
Your Partner in Employment Rights
The MOHRE enquiry system is an indispensable resource for addressing labour-related concerns in the UAE. Whether you’re an employee seeking clarity on your employment contract, an employer ensuring compliance with labour laws, or someone filing a complaint about workplace conditions, MOHRE provides a structured and accessible framework to resolve your issues.
By leveraging MOHRE’s various enquiry channels—including the website, mobile app, call centre, and Tawseel services—you can efficiently submit and track inquiries. Understanding the documentation required, the types of inquiries you can make, and the support tools available ensures a smooth process and quick resolutions.
From wage disputes to health and safety violations, MOHRE’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights and maintaining harmonious labour relations is evident in its comprehensive enquiry services. By making use of these tools, you can navigate the complexities of the UAE’s labour landscape with confidence and ease.
FAQs
How Does the MOHRE Handle Labour Complaints from Free-Zone Employees?
For labour complaints in Free Zones, employees must submit their requests via the MOHRE website under the Free-Zone section, and a letter from the Free-Zone disputes office must be attached indicating that no settlement was reached. These requests are addressed within 48 hours to initiate court proceedings, and the status can be tracked through the MOHRE call centre.
How Do I Contact MOHRE?
MOHRE offers several methods for contacting it. You can call its toll-free number at 800 60, which is available for queries within the UAE. If you prefer online communication, you can use the ‘Contact Us’ form on the MOHRE website or engage via its official social media channels. MOHRE also provides a live chat service on its website for instant assistance.
How Can I Check My Visa Status in MOHRE?
You can’t check your visa status via MOHRE, you must visit the official website of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). Although MOHRE oversees employment relations, the ICP manages visa status. You can access the service by entering your personal details, such as your passport number and nationality, on their eServices portal.
How Can I Check My Contract in MOHRE?
To check your contract, log in to the MOHRE website (mohre.gov.ae) or the MOHRE mobile app using your Emirates ID. Once logged in, navigate to “My Dashboard” and select “Contract Information” to view details of your current and previous contracts, including job title, salary, and validity. You can also download a copy for your records directly from the platform.
How Can I Check My Labour Card Status?
To check the status of your labour card, you need to log in to the MOHRE portal or mobile app with your credentials. Once logged in, navigate to the section titled ‘Labour Card Information’ or a similarly labelled service where you can view the status of your labour card, its expiry date, and other relevant details. MOHRE keeps a record of all issued labour cards and their current status.
How Does MOHRE Protect the Employment Rights of Workers in the UAE?
MOHRE enforces UAE labour laws by ensuring all employment contracts are registered, monitoring wages through the Wage Protection System (WPS), and investigating reports of unsafe conditions or discrimination. Workers can report violations, such as unpaid wages or contract breaches, through the MOHRE website, app, or call centre. MOHRE provides mediation services and escalates unresolved disputes to court, ensuring fairness and legal compliance.
How Can Employees Ensure Their Wages are Protected Under MOHRE Regulations?
Employees should enrol in the Wage Protection System (WPS), which MOHRE monitors to ensure timely and complete wage payments. If discrepancies occur, employees can report non-compliance through MOHRE’s enquiry channels for immediate intervention.
How Does MOHRE Assist with Labour Disputes and Work Permits for Expatriates?
MOHRE issues labour permits and visas for expatriates, ensuring that recruitment complies with UAE labour laws. Additionally, MOHRE offers mediation and conciliation services to resolve labour disputes, contributing to a stable and fair work environment.
The Emirates Labour Market Award, initiated under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, is a prestigious recognition programme organised by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). The award celebrates outstanding contributions within the UAE’s labour market, aiming to promote competitiveness, increase productivity, and spotlight best practices within the work environment.
