MOHRE Labour Complaint Process Explained (2026 Guide) – How to File & Win Your Case in the UAE

20 February 2026|Dubai, UAE [Posted at 7:48 pm]

If you’re facing unpaid salary, unfair dismissal, or contract violations, filing a labour complaint UAE can protect your rights. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has a structured dispute resolution system, but strict timelines and legal rules apply.

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What Is MOHRE and Why Does It Matter?

Overview: MOHRE enforces Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and handles disputes between employees and employers.

MOHRE covers:

• Private mainland companies
• Domestic workers
• Wage protection monitoring
• Work permits
• Labour inspections
• Dispute mediation
  

If you work in:

• DMCC
• JAFZA
• DIFC
• ADGM
  

You must first complain to your free zone authority before approaching MOHRE.

When Should You File a Labour Complaint in the UAE?

Overview: You should file a labour complaint UAE when your employer breaches legal obligations and internal discussions fail.

These are the most common triggers:

• Delayed or unpaid salary
• End-of-service benefit disputes
• Unlawful termination
• Notice period compensation issues
• Contract substitution
• Unpaid overtime
• Illegal passport retention
• Work permit cancellation disputes
  

If your issue relates to unpaid wages, you are filing a salary complaint UAE.

Legal Framework: What the UAE Labour Law Says (2026)

Overview: All disputes are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.

Key articles to understand:

Article 42 – Lawful Termination

Termination is legal if:

• Proper notice (30–90 days) is given
• Written notice is issued
• End-of-service benefits are paid
  

An employer can terminate without giving a reason, as long as notice salary and dues are paid.

Article 47 – Unlawful Termination

Termination becomes unlawful only if:

• The employee was dismissed for filing a serious complaint with MOHRE
• Or retaliation for legal action
  

Compensation:

• 1 to 3 months’ salary maximum
  

Important: The complaint must be serious and proven.

How to File MOHRE Complaint Online (Step-by-Step 2026 Process)

Overview: Filing a MOHRE complaint online is the fastest method. No lawyer required.

Step 1: Choose Your Channel

You can file a labour complaint UAE through:

• MOHRE official website
• MOHRE mobile app
• Call 80084 (Labour Claims Centre)
• Call 600 590 000 (General helpline)
• Tasheel centres (in-person)

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Before submitting your salary complaint UAE, prepare:

• Emirates ID copy
• Passport copy
• Employment contract
• Offer letter (if available)
• Salary slips
• Bank statements
• Written communication (emails/messages)
• Work permit number
  

Documents not in Arabic must be legally translated for court use.

Step 3: Submit Complaint

When filing a MOHRE complaint online, you must:

• Select complaint type
• Enter employer details
• Describe the issue clearly
• Upload supporting documents
• Submit and receive the reference number
  

Keep the reference number safe.

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What Happens After Filing a Labour Complaint UAE?

Overview: MOHRE begins mediation within 14 working days.

Before escalation, MOHRE attempts settlement. Process includes: 

Stage 1: Mediation (Within 14 Working Days)

At this stage, MOHRE:

• Contacts employer
• Schedules a call or meeting
• Attempts amicable resolution
  

Many salary complaint UAE cases settle here.

Stage 2: If No Settlement

Here, expect two scenerios: 

1. If the claim is AED 50,000 or less:

MOHRE can issue a binding decision.

2. If the claim exceeds AED 50,000:

MOHRE refers the case to the Labour Court.

AED 50,000 Rule Explained

Overview: Article 54(2) gives MOHRE authority over smaller claims.

If your labour complaint UAE value is:

• ≤ AED 50,000 → MOHRE issues final decision
• AED 50,000 → Court referral

This decision can only be challenged in court within 15 working days.

15 Working Days vs 15 Calendar Days – Critical Difference

Overview: Most people miscalculate deadlines.

Article 54(3) clearly states:

You have 15 working days, not calendar days, to file a court appeal.

Working days exclude:

• Weekends
• Public holidays
• Eid holidays
  

Miscounting can cost your case.

Case Study: Retaliatory Dismissal Claim

Overview: A real employer-employee dispute illustrates the law in action.

Facts:

• Employee terminated with notice
• Salary reduction imposed earlier
• The employee filed the first complaint
• MOHRE ruled for the employer
• The employee filed a second complaint claiming unlawful termination
  

Claim value: Below AED 50,000
MOHRE issued a resolution.

The employee filed a court case 23 calendar days later.

At first glance → late filing
After excluding weekends and Eid → within 15 working days

The court accepted the case procedurally but dismissed it on the merits because:

• The complaint was not serious
• Termination was lawful
• No retaliation proven
  

Lesson: Timing + evidence both matter.

Salary Complaint UAE – What You Should Know

Overview: Unpaid wages are the most common dispute type.

Before submission, verify payment history. When filing a salary complaint UAE, remember:

• Employers must pay salaries through the Wage Protection System (WPS).
• Salary delays are traceable.
• MOHRE can order payment continuation up to 2 months
• The employer may receive a warning and inspection
  

If unpaid wages are proven, resolution is often fast.

Can You Work During the Dispute?

Overview: Employment status may change during the complaint.

Before switching jobs, check eligibility. Important rules:

• Temporary work permit possible
• Requires MOHRE approval
• The work permit may be suspended
• Automatic cancellation after 6 months if unresolved
  

If the case ends and employment ends:

• Cancel  the permit within 14 days

Court Process After Referral

Overview: If mediation fails and the claim exceeds AED 50,000, the court takes over.

Before hearing, register the case within the deadline. Process:

• Register the case within 14 days
• The court sets a hearing within 3 days
• Both parties are notified
• Documents must be in Arabic
• Legal translation required
  

If claims are under AED 100,000:

• No court fees

Appeal Rights

Overview: Appeal options depend on case value.

For claims under AED 50,000:

• Appeal to the Court of First Instance within 15 working days
• The Court decision is final
  

For larger claims:

• Appeal to the Court of Appeal within 15 working days
  

Time Limit to File a Complaint

Overview: The statute of limitations applies.

You must file a labour complaint UAE within:

• 2 years from the date of the violation
  

The old 1-year rule no longer applies.

Delay can permanently bar your claim.

How to Track MOHRE Complaint Status

Overview: Tracking is simple with the reference number.

As we mentioned above, you should keep your reference number safe. Before calling, keep the case number ready. You can:

• Check via the MOHRE website
• Check via mobile app
• Call 600 590 000
• Call 80084

Before escalation, save these numbers:

• 80084 – Labour Claims Advisory
• 600 590 000 – General enquiries
• ask@mohre.gov.ae – Email support

Important Protections During Complaint

Overview: Employees are not left unprotected.

Before a court ruling, protection may apply. MOHRE may:

• Order the employer to pay the salary for up to 2 months
• Issue an official warning to the employer
• Monitor compliance
• Allow a temporary work permit

Free Zone Employees – Special Rules

Overview: MOHRE does not directly handle free zone disputes initially.

If you work in a free zone:

• File a complaint with the free zone authority
• Attend mediation
• Obtain NOC if unresolved
• Then file in the Labour Court
  

Free zone mediation cannot enforce decisions.

Documentation Checklist

Overview: Proper documentation determines success.

Before filing the MOHRE complaint online, ensure you have:

• Valid Emirates ID
• Passport copy
• Employment contract
• Offer letter
• Salary slips
• Bank statements
• Written proof
• Work permit details
  

Strong documentation strengthens your case.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overview: Many cases fail due to procedural errors.

Before filing, double-check timelines. Avoid:

• Missing a 15-day working-day appeal period
• Filing outside the 2-year limit
• Not translating documents
• Emotional claims without evidence
• Ignoring the AED 50,000 threshold
• Not responding to MOHRE calls

FAQs 

Conclusion 

The UAE labour system is structured and rule-based. Understanding the MOHRE complaint online process, statutory timelines, and legal thresholds can determine whether you win or lose your case.

If you are filing a salary complaint UAE, act early, document everything, and calculate deadlines carefully.

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