By Gulf News published an explainer on 10 November 2026 setting out the key rules employees should understand before filing a UAE labour complaint, according to features writer Zainab Husain. The piece covers where to file, official channels, claim handling, time limits, post-filing steps, work permit status, and language and documentation requirements.
The report confirms that employees must file a labour complaint within two years from the date the issue occurred, under Article 54 (9) of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. The previous limitation period was one year. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) is required to resolve individual labour complaints within 14 days of submission.
Where a complaint is filed depends on the employer’s jurisdiction
The first practical question for HR and payroll teams is which authority has jurisdiction. Mainland companies are licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), and their employees file complaints with MOHRE. Free zone employees file with their free zone authority, such as DMCC or JAFZA.
The process differs in one important respect. MOHRE officials usually attempt mediation by contacting both parties by phone or video call. Free zone mediation offices also aim to resolve disputes amicably, but they do not have power to enforce decisions. If a free zone dispute remains unresolved, the authority issues a No Objection Certificate allowing the employee to take the case to court. For mainland employees, MOHRE itself can issue a final, legally binding decision for claims under Dh50,000.
The Dh50,000 threshold changes how claims are handled
The claim value determines the route a case takes. For claims under Dh50,000, MOHRE has authority to issue a final, legally binding decision. For claims exceeding Dh50,000, if no agreement is reached during mediation, MOHRE will issue a No Objection Certificate so the employee can pursue the case in court.
Either party may appeal to the Court of Appeal within 15 working days. All MOHRE mediation records and decisions form part of the court file if the case is referred to the Labour Court.
| Claim value | MOHRE authority | Route if no settlement |
|---|---|---|
| Under Dh50,000 | Final, legally binding decision | MOHRE decision stands unless appealed |
| Over Dh50,000 | No binding decision power | No Objection Certificate issued for court |
| Any claim | Mediation within 14 days | Appeal to Court of Appeal within 15 working days |
Work permit status during and after a complaint
Payroll and HR teams should track work permit changes carefully once a complaint is filed. During a labour complaint, the original work permit may be suspended or cancelled. In some cases, the employee may be issued a temporary work permit allowing them to work for a new employer while the case is ongoing.
Two deadlines matter after a decision. If the complaint is referred to court and results in the worker’s employment ending, the original work permit will be cancelled after six months. Once the Ministry makes a final decision, those affected must cancel their original work permit within 60 days of receiving the decision, unless their employment relationship continues.
Language and documentation requirements
Mediation sessions are typically conducted in Arabic and English. Court filings, however, must be in Arabic. Documents in another language must be legally translated into Arabic by a translator approved by the UAE Ministry of Justice before submission.
This creates a practical burden for HR teams responding to a complaint. Employment contracts, payroll records, disciplinary notes and correspondence in English will need certified Arabic translation if the case reaches court. Preparing translations early can avoid delays later.
Official channels and practical steps
Employees can file through the MOHRE mobile app, the call centre on 80060, Tawseel service centres across the UAE, or the MOHRE website. The Labour Claims and Advisory Call Centre at 80084 offers free guidance before filing.
The Gulf News report advises employees to confirm which authority their employer falls under, use official MOHRE channels, file within the two-year limit, and be aware of mediation, appeal, and work permit timelines. For HR and payroll teams, the same checklist applies in reverse: verify jurisdiction, respond promptly to mediation requests, and calendar the 14-day resolution window, the 15-working-day appeal window, and the 60-day work permit cancellation deadline.
Readers should confirm how these rules apply to their specific company and free zone, as individual authority practices may vary.
Sources: Gulf News
Photo: Dubai Skyline on 10 January 2008 by Imre Solt, CC BY-SA 3.0
