Navigating a workplace conflict can feel daunting, especially when your visa status, income, or professional reputation is on the line. Whether you are dealing with withheld salaries, arbitrary termination, or unpaid end-of-service gratuity, the United Arab Emirates provides one of the most structured, employee-protective legal frameworks in the Middle East.
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (and its procedural amendments under Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2023 and No. 9 of 2024), resolving workplace grievances does not require hiring an expensive lawyer upfront. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) maintains direct, dedicated hotlines and digital portals to help employees lodge complaints quickly and securely.
Quick Contact Directory: Official Labour Complaint Numbers
If you need immediate assistance, dial the official government contact numbers below:
| Authority / Service Channel | Contact Number | Primary Purpose | Availability & Languages |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOHRE Labour Claims & Advice (Toll-Free) | 800 84 | Filing labour complaints, dispute mediation, status checks | Mon–Sat (Multilingual: EN, AR, UR, HI, TL) |
| MOHRE Main Contact Centre | 600 590000 | General inquiries, labour card issues, WPS queries | 24/7 Interactive Voice Response / Business Hours for Agents |
| MOHRE WhatsApp Channel | 600 590000 | Automated tracking, smart queries, document links | 24/7 Automated Services |
| Dubai Courts Inquiry Centre | +971 4 334 7777 | Inquiries for escalated judicial cases in Dubai | Mon–Fri (Official Court Working Hours) |
| Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) | +971 2 651 2222 | Abu Dhabi Labour Court inquiries & case status | Mon–Fri (Court Business Hours) |
Important Distinction: You cannot directly register a fresh dispute with the Dubai Labour Court or Abu Dhabi Labour Court without first filing through MOHRE. MOHRE acts as the mandatory legal gateway for all mainland private-sector employment claims.
Common Grounds for Lodging a Labour Dispute
Under UAE Labour Law, both mainland employees and employers hold binding contractual obligations. The vast majority of complaints filed with MOHRE stem from specific violations:
- Delayed or Unpaid Salaries: Under the Wage Protection System (WPS), employers must pay employees within statutory deadlines. If your wage is unpaid for more than 15 days past its due date, your company is legally in default.
- Withheld End-of-Service Benefits (Gratuity): Unlawful deductions or total refusal to release accrued gratuity, accrued leave pay, or repatriation flight allowances upon contract completion or termination.
- Illegal Passport Retention: Under UAE Federal Law, it is strictly illegal for an employer to retain an employee’s passport or personal identification documents. Holding a worker’s passport against their will carries significant regulatory penalties.
- Arbitrary Dismissal & Notice Period Breaches: Terminating an employee without written legal cause, terminating without serving the contractually mandated notice period (between 30 to 90 days), or forcing immediate departure without compensation.
- Excessive Hours & Overtime Non-Payment: The standard working week is set at 8 hours per day (48 hours per week). Any required overtime must be compensated in accordance with statutory premiums.
Step-by-Step: How to Register a Labour Complaint in the UAE
Filing an employment grievance is accessible across multiple channels. Choose the method that best matches your situation.
| Employment Type | Initial Filing Channel / Authority | Escalation / Next Steps |
|---|---|---|
| Mainland Employee | • Dial 800 84 (Toll-Free Helpline) • MOHRE App / Portal (via UAE PASS) • Twafouq Centre (In-person) | Case file is opened directly with MOHRE for mediation. |
| Free Zone Employee (e.g., DIFC, ADGM, DMCC, JAFZA) | • Relevant Free Zone Authority’s Labour Relations Department | If unresolved by the Free Zone Authority, a transfer letter is issued to escalate the dispute to MOHRE or the relevant court system. |
Method 1: Calling the Toll-Free Helpline (800 84 or 600 590000)
- Dial 800 84 (dedicated for disputes) or 600 590000.
- Select your preferred language (Arabic, English, Urdu, Hindi, Malayalam, or Tagalog).
- Inform the customer happiness representative that you wish to file a formal labour complaint.
- Provide your Emirates ID number, Labour Card number, and company name.
- Concisely articulate the issue (e.g., unpaid salary for three months, passport retention).
- Once registered, you will receive an SMS containing your Complaint Reference Number, which allows you to track the case online.
Method 2: The MOHRE Smart App & Web Portal
For those who prefer a paper trail and instant document submission:
- Download the MOHRE UAE app or visit the official MOHRE website.
- Sign in using your UAE PASS (the unified digital identity for UAE citizens and residents).
- Navigate to Services → Register Labour Complaint.
- Select the complaint type (salary dispute, termination settlement, end-of-service benefits).
- Attach supporting PDFs or images (employment contract, bank statements showing non-payment).
- Submit the request to generate your tracking number.
Method 3: In-Person via Tasheel or Twafouq Centres
If you prefer face-to-face assistance:
- Locate an accredited Tasheel or Twafouq service centre.
- Twafouq centres are specialized mediation hubs staffed by legal researchers sanctioned by MOHRE.
- Bring your physical Emirates ID, labour contract, and bank statements. An officer will type your dispute, scan your evidence, and register your file on the spot.
The Exception: Free Zone Employees
Employees working in financial or commercial free zones (e.g., DIFC, ADGM, DMCC, JAFZA) do not fall under the direct administrative jurisdiction of MOHRE for initial complaint filing.
- DIFC and ADGM: These jurisdictions operate under distinct, common-law legal structures with their own standalone employment courts (e.g., the Small Claims Tribunal in the DIFC).
- Other Free Zones (e.g., DMCC, JAFZA): You must first submit your complaint to your specific Free Zone Authority’s Labour Relations Department. If the Free Zone Authority cannot resolve the dispute amicably, they will issue an official dispute transfer letter, allowing you to escalate the matter through the mainland judicial system.
Documents and Evidence You Need Before Filing
A complaint supported by clear documentation reaches a resolution much faster. Before placing your call or submitting an online ticket, assemble the following:
- Identification: Emirates ID number and Labour Card / Work Permit number.
- Contract Details: Your official MOHRE digital employment contract (this takes precedence over any informal internal offer letter).
- Financial Proof: Bank account statements demonstrating missing transfers or non-compliance with the Wage Protection System (WPS).
- Written Communications: Timestamps, emails, official termination letters, resignation receipts, or WhatsApp messages discussing hours, payments, or workplace instructions.
- Time Records: Punch-in logs, biometric records, or shift rosters if your dispute involves unpaid overtime.
What Happens Next: The Dispute Resolution Process
Once your complaint enters the system, the UAE dispute framework prioritizes swift resolution through defined administrative steps:
| Stage | Action / Phase | Details & Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Registration | Initial Filing | Employee registers the complaint via 800 84, the MOHRE Smart App, or a Twafouq Centre. |
| 2. Mediation | Twafouq Mediation | Legal researchers facilitate amicable settlement discussions within approximately 14 working days. |
| 3. Resolution Outcome | Scenario A: Amicable Settlement | Parties sign a mutually agreed, legally binding settlement agreement. |
| Scenario B: No Settlement (Claim ≤ AED 50,000) | MOHRE issues a final, binding administrative decision that carries the force of a judicial execution order (appealable within 15 working days). | |
| Scenario C: No Settlement (Claim > AED 50,000) | MOHRE issues an official Court Referral Letter transferring the case to the competent Labour Court of First Instance for judicial hearings. |
1. Twafouq Mediation (Amicable Settlement)
Within a few working days of lodging your complaint, a legal researcher from the Twafouq mediation department contacts both you and your employer.
- A mediation session is conducted (often via conference call or in-person meeting) to encourage an amicable settlement.
- Under Ministerial Resolution No. 782 of 2023, the ministry generally resolves or refers complaints within 14 working days from registration.
2. Fast-Track Execution for Claims Under AED 50,000
Under recent legislative updates (Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2023), MOHRE is empowered to issue a final, binding, and executable decision on any labour dispute where the total value of the claim is AED 50,000 or less, or in cases where one party breached an amicable settlement agreement previously reached before MOHRE.
- You do not need to attend extensive court hearings for minor monetary disputes.
- The decision issued by MOHRE carries the force of a judicial writ of execution.
- Either party may file an appeal before the Court of First Instance within 15 working days of notification; otherwise, the decision is final and directly enforceable.
3. Judicial Escalation for Claims Exceeding AED 50,000
If your claim exceeds AED 50,000 and mediation fails, MOHRE cannot issue an automatic financial ruling. Instead:
- MOHRE closes the mediation and issues an official Court Referral Letter alongside an executive summary of the case.
- The dispute transfers to the competent Labour Court (such as the Dubai Labour Court or Abu Dhabi Labour Court).
- Hearings are scheduled electronically, and judges assess evidence under formal judicial proceedings.
Essential Legal Rights & Protections During a Dispute
Many employees hesitate to call the helpline out of fear of immediate deportation or retaliation. UAE law provides explicit safeguards to prevent punitive actions by employers:
Protection Against Unlawful Absconding Reports
Employers often attempt to threaten workers with an “absconding” (unauthorized absence) report. However, MOHRE regulations prohibit an employer from lodging a valid absconding notice against an employee who has an active, registered labour complaint in the system.
Right to a Temporary Work Permit
If an ongoing dispute drags on or enters prolonged court litigation, an employee cannot be expected to remain indefinitely without income. You can apply directly to MOHRE for a Temporary Work Permit, allowing you to work legally for another company in the UAE while your original case progresses through the legal system.
Exemption from Court Fees
To guarantee that justice remains accessible regardless of income:
- Workers whose claims do not exceed AED 100,000 are fully exempt from paying court fees throughout all stages of litigation, including enforcement proceedings.
- If a worker’s claim exceeds AED 100,000, modest fee structures apply, which may be recovered from the losing employer upon judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the official labour complaint toll-free number in the UAE?
The dedicated toll-free number for labour complaints and dispute advisory is 800 84. You can also reach the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) general helpline at 600 590000.
2. Can I register a labour complaint anonymously?
No. Formal labour claims requiring individual financial settlements (unpaid salaries, gratuity) require your Emirates ID and work permit details so authorities can examine your contract and payroll records. However, you can make anonymous tip-offs regarding broader workplace safety or labour violations via the MOHRE app.
3. Does filing a labour complaint cost money?
No. Filing a labour dispute through the 800 84 helpline, the MOHRE app, or the ministry portal is completely free of charge. Additionally, claims under AED 100,000 are exempt from court fees if escalated to the judiciary.
4. What is the time limit for filing a labour claim in the UAE?
Under Article 54 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (as amended by Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2024), labour claims will not be heard if more than two years have elapsed from the date the employment relationship ended.
5. Can my employer cancel my residency visa while a dispute is pending?
An employer cannot unilaterally cancel your visa without your signature acknowledging receipt of all dues. When a labour complaint is active, immigration authorities freeze arbitrary visa cancellations until MOHRE issues clearance or a final settlement is logged.
6. What should I do if my employer has confiscated my passport?
Passport confiscation is strictly illegal under UAE law. You can immediately report this violation by calling 800 84 or by reporting it to your local police station, who will order the employer to surrender the travel document.
7. How long does MOHRE take to settle a dispute?
The amicable mediation stage conducted by Twafouq generally takes up to 14 working days. For claims under AED 50,000, MOHRE can issue a final binding ruling shortly thereafter. Unresolved claims over AED 50,000 are referred to the Labour Court.
8. What happens if my claim is under AED 50,000?
MOHRE holds the legal authority to issue a final, executable administrative decision without referring your case to the Court of First Instance. This saves months of court time and provides a legally enforceable order to collect your dues.
9. Can I work for another company while my court case is pending?
Yes. You can submit an application through MOHRE for a temporary work permit. This permit allows you to take up legitimate employment with a new sponsor until your primary litigation concludes.
10. Can I call the Dubai Labour Court complaint number directly for a new dispute?
No. The Dubai Labour Court handles only judicial cases that have already been examined and referred by MOHRE. All mainland labour complaints must originate through MOHRE channels (800 84 or the MOHRE App) before any court intervention.
