How to File a Labour Complaint in the UAE: MOHRE Process, Time Limits and the AED 50,000 Rule

A step-by-step guide to filing a labour complaint with MOHRE in the UAE — channels, time limits, the AED 50,000 threshold and when a case goes to court.

If your employer has not paid your salary, end-of-service gratuity or other dues, the UAE has a clear process for resolving the dispute. For mainland companies, it starts with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

Step 1: put it in writing

Raise the issue with your employer in writing first — an email is enough. Keep copies; these messages become evidence later.

Step 2: file a complaint with MOHRE

You can file through:

• the MOHRE mobile app or website;
• the MOHRE call centre on 80060;
• MOHRE service centres.

For free advice, the Labour Claims and Advisory call centre is available on 80084.

Free zone employees (for example DMCC or JAFZA) usually go first to their free zone authority's dispute or mediation department rather than MOHRE.

Step 3: mediation and MOHRE decisions

MOHRE first tries to settle the dispute between the parties.

• Claims up to AED 50,000: MOHRE can issue a binding decision. A party who disagrees can challenge it before the competent court within the time allowed (15 working days).
• Claims above AED 50,000, or disputes that are not settled: MOHRE refers the case to the labour court. The case must then be registered with the court promptly after referral.

Time limits

Under the UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, as amended), labour claims must generally be brought within two years from the date the claim arose. Do not wait — evidence and witnesses become harder to find over time.

Documents to prepare

• Employment contract and any amendments
• Salary slips or bank statements showing what was paid
• Emails or letters with your employer
• Your Emirates ID and labour card details

Documents in other languages may need legal translation into Arabic for court.

Good to know

• Labour cases are exempt from court fees.
• If you keep working during the dispute, you may be able to claim up to two months' wages for that period.

Where AI helps

An AI complaint tool can help you organise the facts, dates and amounts into a clear complaint, in Arabic or English, before you file with MOHRE or speak to a lawyer.

Try it: prepare your complaint with LexArab's smart complaint maker.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Rules and procedures change; check MOHRE's official channels and consult a qualified UAE lawyer for your situation.