How to File a MOHRE Complaint in the UAE? Complete Guide
To file a MOHRE complaint, log in to the MOHRE app or eServices with UAE Pass, open Labour Complaint, confirm your employment details, and submit your issue, or call 600 590 000. Filing is free and must be done within 30 days of the breach. MOHRE first attempts mediation, and unresolved cases are referred to the Labour Court.
- Log in to the MOHRE app with UAE Pass.
- Open Labour Complaint and submit your issue.
- File within 30 days of the problem.
What you can file a complaint about
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) handles disputes between private-sector employees and their employers. If your employer has broken the terms of your contract or the labour law, you can raise it. The most common complaints fall into three groups.
| What you can complain about | Examples |
|---|---|
| Financial disputes | Unpaid salary, withheld overtime, end-of-service gratuity |
| Contractual issues | Arbitrary dismissal, forced resignation, non-renewal |
| Work-environment issues | Unsafe conditions or withheld documents |
If your specific issue is a delayed or unpaid wage, there is a faster, dedicated route, see our guide to the WPS salary-delay complaint.
How to file a MOHRE complaint
Filing takes a few minutes online and costs nothing. Have your Emirates ID and work permit or labour card number ready, along with the basic details of your employer and the issue.
- Log in to the MOHRE app or eServices portal with UAE Pass and open Services for Employees, then Labour Complaint.
- MOHRE retrieves your employment record automatically, check the employer name, labour card number, and status are correct.
- Select your complaint type and write a clear description of the issue.
- Register the complaint and confirm it with the OTP sent to your phone.
If you would rather not file online, you can call the MOHRE call centre on 600 590 000 in multiple languages, or register in person at a Tasheel or service centre. Whichever route you choose, keep copies of your contract, pay records, and any correspondence, evidence is what carries a complaint.
What happens after you file?
A complaint does not go straight to court. MOHRE runs a structured process that tries to settle the dispute first, and only escalates if that fails.
| Stage | What happens | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. You file the complaint | MOHRE registers it and notifies your employer | Same day; employer replies in 2 to 3 working days |
| 2. Tawafuq mediation | A legal officer hears both sides and proposes a settlement | Within 14 days |
| 3. Labour Court referral | Unresolved cases get a MOHRE referral letter and a court date | Hearing in 3 to 10 days; case 1 to 3 months |
Most disputes are settled at the mediation stage, which is exactly why the process exists. If it does reach court, MOHRE forwards a referral letter and its own legal notes, and the court’s judgment is binding.
Know your rights before you file
Two points are worth knowing before you start. First, there is a 30-day window to file from the date of the breach, so do not sit on a problem. Second, your employer cannot lawfully punish you for filing: under the labour law, dismissing a worker because they raised a valid complaint is treated as arbitrary dismissal, which can entitle you to up to three months’ pay in compensation on top of your gratuity, notice, and other dues.
Knowing the underlying rules makes a stronger complaint, so it is worth reading our guide to UAE labour law in 2026, and confirming your registered terms with a labour contract check before you file. The wider set of employment tasks is in our UAE work and labour guide.
Frequently asked questions
How do I file a labour complaint with MOHRE?
Log in to the MOHRE app or eServices with UAE Pass, open Services for Employees then Labour Complaint, confirm your auto-filled employment details, select the complaint type, describe the issue, and confirm with the OTP. You can also call 600 590 000 or file in person at a Tasheel centre. The service is free.
Is there a deadline to file a MOHRE complaint?
Yes. A labour complaint should generally be filed within 30 days of the breach you are complaining about. Filing promptly also makes your case stronger, because evidence and records are easier to gather while the situation is recent. Waiting can weaken or, in some cases, bar your claim.
What happens after I file a complaint?
MOHRE notifies your employer, who has two to three working days to respond. If you disagree, the case goes to Tawafuq mediation, which aims to resolve it within 14 days. If mediation fails, MOHRE refers the case to the Labour Court with a referral letter, and the court issues a binding judgment.
Can my employer fire me for filing a complaint?
No. Dismissing an employee because they filed a valid complaint or lawsuit is considered arbitrary dismissal under the labour law. If proven, you can be awarded up to three months of your last salary as compensation, in addition to your end-of-service gratuity, notice-period pay, and any other amounts you are owed.
Last verified: July 2026
Reviewed by: UAEexplained editorial team
Source: Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE); UAE Government Portal (u.ae)
