How to File a MOHRE Labor Complaint in the UAE: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

If your employer has not paid your salary, withheld your gratuity, or violated your labor rights — you have legal recourse. MOHRE provides a free, accessible complaint system that protects every worker in the UAE.

7 min read Updated March 2026

What is MOHRE?

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) — previously known as the Ministry of Labour — is the UAE federal authority responsible for regulating the labor market and protecting the rights of workers and employers in the private sector.

MOHRE oversees the enforcement of UAE Labor Law, manages the Wage Protection System (WPS), and provides dispute resolution services. Filing a complaint with MOHRE is completely free of charge, and you do not need a lawyer to do it.

MOHRE can handle complaints related to both the employer and the employee. However, this guide focuses on employee complaints against employers — the most common scenario.

What Complaints Can MOHRE Handle?

MOHRE handles a wide range of labor disputes for private sector employees. Common complaints include:

Unpaid or delayed salary

Withheld gratuity (EOSG)

Wrongful or arbitrary termination

Unpaid annual leave encashment

Notice period violations

Refusal to issue a work permit or visa

Workplace discrimination or harassment

Forced labor or passport confiscation

Note: MOHRE deals with private sector disputes only. If you work for a government entity or in a free zone (like DIFC or ADGM), you may need to use a different authority.

Step-by-Step: How to File a MOHRE Complaint

Gather Your Documents

Before filing, collect: your employment contract, most recent payslips, any correspondence with your employer about the dispute, and your Emirates ID and passport copy. The more documentation you have, the stronger your case.

Try to Resolve Directly First (Recommended)

Send a formal written notice to your employer (email is sufficient) clearly stating the issue and requesting resolution within a specific timeframe (e.g., 7 days). This creates a paper trail and shows MOHRE you attempted to resolve amicably.

File the Complaint Online or via App

Go to mohre.gov.ae or download the MOHRE app. Navigate to "Services" → "Labor Complaints" → "Register a Complaint." Fill in your details, your employer's details, the nature of the dispute, and upload your supporting documents.

Alternatively, Call 800-60

You can also initiate a complaint by calling the MOHRE hotline at 800-60 (free within the UAE). The service is available in multiple languages including Arabic, English, Hindi, and Urdu. They will register your case and guide you through the process.

MOHRE Mediation (within 2 weeks typically)

MOHRE will contact both you and your employer to schedule a mediation session. A MOHRE labor officer will attempt to reach an amicable settlement. Most straightforward cases (unpaid salary, gratuity disputes) are resolved at this stage.

Escalation to Labor Court (if unresolved)

If MOHRE mediation does not produce a settlement, your case is automatically referred to the UAE Labor Court. You do not need to pay court filing fees for labor cases — the case is processed free of charge. The court process typically takes 1–3 months for straightforward disputes.

What to Expect After Filing

MOHRE typically acknowledges your complaint within 1–3 business days and assigns a case number. Keep this number for all future follow-ups. The average timeline from complaint to resolution (through MOHRE mediation) is around 2–4 weeks, though complex cases may take longer.

During the dispute resolution process, your employer cannot legally terminate you in retaliation for filing a complaint. Such retaliatory termination is considered arbitrary dismissal under UAE law and entitles you to additional compensation of up to 3 months' salary.

Important: Time Limits for Complaints

There is a one-year statute of limitations on labor complaints in the UAE. This means you must file your complaint within one year of the date the dispute arose or the date your employment ended. If you wait longer than one year, MOHRE and the courts may not be able to help you.

If you are still employed and the issue is ongoing (e.g., consistently late salary), the clock typically starts from the most recent violation — so the time limit is less of a concern. But for cases like unpaid gratuity after resignation, act quickly.

Real Situations We Have Seen

Case: Gratuity withheld after 4 years of service

Syed resigned after 4 years and 3 months. His employer refused to pay gratuity, claiming he had resigned without completing his notice period. Syed had in fact served his full 30-day notice. He filed a MOHRE complaint online with his resignation email, offer letter, and payslips as evidence. MOHRE mediation was scheduled within 5 working days. The employer settled at mediation stage — paying AED 28,350 in gratuity — rather than proceed to Labour Court. The entire process took 3 weeks.

Case: Employer downgraded role and cut salary mid-contract

Meena had her job title changed and salary reduced by AED 2,000 per month without her agreement. She was told it was a company restructure. Under UAE law, a unilateral salary reduction is not permitted without employee consent. She filed a MOHRE complaint citing the original offer letter versus her current payslip. MOHRE ordered the employer to restore her original salary with back-payment of the deducted amounts for 4 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my employer know I filed a MOHRE complaint?

Yes — MOHRE notifies the employer as part of the mediation process. This is how the complaint works. If you are still employed and worried about retaliation, document everything carefully before filing. UAE law prohibits retaliatory dismissal.

Is there a time limit for filing a MOHRE complaint?

Yes — complaints must generally be filed within 1 year of the incident or the end of employment. Do not delay if you believe your rights have been violated.

What if MOHRE mediation fails?

If no settlement is reached at the MOHRE stage, the case is automatically referred to the UAE Labour Court. There are no additional filing fees for employees. The court process typically takes 3 to 6 months.

Free Zone Employees: Different Rules Apply

If you work in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), complaints go to the DIFC Employment Tribunal. If you work in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), disputes go to the ADGM Courts. Other free zones may have their own dispute resolution mechanisms — check with your free zone authority.

MOHRE's jurisdiction covers the UAE mainland private sector only. However, MOHRE can often still advise you on where to direct your complaint if you are in a free zone.

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about the MOHRE complaint process. It does not constitute legal advice. For complex disputes, consider consulting a licensed UAE labor lawyer.

Know Your Gratuity Amount Before You Complain

Use our free calculator to know exactly how much you are owed — so you can state the correct amount in your complaint.

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