To file a labour complaint in the UAE, you submit your dispute to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, known as MOHRE, which handles most private-sector work problems. You can file through the MOHRE app, its website, the call centre, or a Tasheel service centre. MOHRE then tries to settle the matter between you and your employer through mediation. If no agreement is reached, MOHRE refers the case to the labour court, which makes a final decision. Common reasons to file include unpaid wages, end-of-service pay, or unfair dismissal. Knowing how to file a labour complaint in the UAE helps you protect your rights and get what you are owed. Workers in some free zones, such as DIFC and ADGM, use their own systems instead of MOHRE. Filing early and with clear evidence gives you the best chance of a fair result.
What is a labour complaint in the UAE?
A labour complaint is a formal way to raise a work-related dispute with the authorities. Most often, a worker files it against an employer, but employers can also raise certain issues. The complaint covers problems like unpaid salary, end-of-service benefits, unfair dismissal, or unpaid overtime. In the UAE, employment is governed mainly by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, which sets out the rights of both sides. Handling a complaint well is part of labour law, and a quick legal consultation helps you understand your rights first. For example, a worker who has not been paid for two months can file a complaint to claim the unpaid wages. A labour complaint is a formal way to raise a work dispute, such as unpaid wages or unfair dismissal.
Who can file, and where do you file it?
Where you file depends on where you work, and this is a key point many people miss. If you work for a mainland private company, you file your complaint with MOHRE, the federal labour authority. However, if you work in certain free zones, such as the DIFC or ADGM, you do not use MOHRE. These zones have their own employment rules and their own courts. Other free zones may have their own processes too, so it is important to check your contract and location. In most cases, the worker files the complaint, but an employer may also raise a dispute or need to defend one, which can involve commercial and corporate advice. For example, a DIFC employee uses the DIFC system, not MOHRE. You file with MOHRE if you work on the mainland, but free zones like DIFC and ADGM use their own systems.
How do you file a labour complaint in the UAE?
Filing a complaint with MOHRE is fairly simple, but doing it well matters. The process follows clear steps.
- Gather your evidence. Collect your employment contract, pay records, any termination letter, and messages that support your case.
- File the complaint with MOHRE. You can use the MOHRE smart app, the official website, the call centre, or a Tasheel service centre.
- Explain your dispute clearly. Give your details and a clear account of the problem and what you are owed.
- The complaint is registered. MOHRE then contacts both you and your employer to begin the process.
Because many disputes are about money owed, they often raise civil law points, and unresolved cases move to the labour court through litigation. For example, having your contract and pay slips ready makes your complaint much stronger. To file a labour complaint, gather your evidence, submit it to MOHRE, and clearly explain the dispute.
What happens after you file?
After you file, the process moves through clear stages. First, MOHRE tries to settle the matter between you and your employer through mediation. This stage is free and often quick, and many disputes are solved here without going to court. If both sides reach an agreement, the matter ends there. If no agreement is reached, MOHRE refers the case to the labour court with an official referral letter, and your dispute becomes a court case. A helpful point for workers is that labour claims are often exempt from court fees up to a certain value, which lowers the cost of pursuing your rights. To understand the court stage, see our guide on how to file a lawsuit in Dubai. Some free zone or contract disputes may instead use arbitration or another forum. For example, many wage disputes are settled at the MOHRE mediation stage. After filing, MOHRE tries mediation first, then refers the case to the labour court if no agreement is reached.
What mistakes should you avoid?
A few common mistakes can weaken or even ruin a valid complaint. The first is waiting too long, as labour claims have a time limit, and delay can cost you the right to claim. The second is having weak evidence, so always keep your contract, pay records, and messages. A third mistake is acting in a rush, such as signing documents you do not understand or resigning without advice, which can hurt your position. Filing in the wrong place is another error, like using MOHRE when you work in a free zone with its own system. You should also know that an employer must not hold your passport, and disputes over this or over an “absconding” report can become serious, sometimes touching criminal matters. For example, missing the claim deadline can end an otherwise strong case. Avoid delay, weak evidence, hasty decisions, and filing in the wrong forum to protect your complaint.
Do you need a lawyer for a labour complaint?
You can file a MOHRE complaint on your own, but a lawyer can make a real difference, especially for larger or disputed claims. A lawyer helps you gather the right evidence, calculate exactly what you are owed, choose the correct forum, and represent you if the case reaches court. Hessa Al Hammadi Advocates & Legal Consultants helps both workers and employers with labour matters across the UAE. We are ISO 9001:2015 certified for quality management and licensed before all major UAE courts. We act for clients from many nationalities and explain each step in plain language. We cannot promise a specific result, but we protect your rights and pursue the best outcome the facts allow. You can learn more on our about us page, or reach us through our contact us page to book a consultation. A lawyer helps you file correctly, claim the right amount, and present a strong case.
Facing an unpaid wage, dismissal, or end-of-service problem and need to file a labour complaint in the UAE? Hessa Al Hammadi Advocates & Legal Consultants guide workers and employers through MOHRE and the labour courts, backed by ISO 9001:2015 certification. Book a consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
You submit your dispute to MOHRE through its app, website, call centre, or a Tasheel centre. MOHRE then tries to settle it through mediation, and if no agreement is reached, it refers the case to the labour court.
It depends on the free zone. DIFC and ADGM have their own employment systems and courts, so you do not use MOHRE there. Other free zones may have their own rules, so always check your contract and location.
Filing a complaint with MOHRE is free, and labour court claims are often exempt from court fees for workers up to a certain value. This makes it easier and cheaper to pursue your rights as an employee.
Labour claims have a time limit, so you should act as soon as possible. Waiting too long can cost you the right to claim. Keeping your contract and pay records ready helps you file quickly and correctly.
You can file on your own, but a lawyer helps with evidence, calculating what you are owed, and the court stage if mediation fails. This is especially useful for larger or disputed claims.
