Your Rights at Work: How to File a Labor Complaint in Dubai (Updated 2025)

As an employee in Dubai, your rights are safeguarded by the comprehensive UAE Labor Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021). However, workplace disagreements can unfortunately arise, leaving you feeling vulnerable and unsure of how to proceed. Whether you’re facing issues like unpaid salary in Dubai, unfair dismissal, a breach of your employment contract, or unsatisfactory working conditions, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) provides a clear and accessible pathway for you to file a labor complaint in Dubai and pursue a just resolution. Know your work rights in Dubai.

At Al Saadi Advocates, a leading Dubai employment lawyer and litigation firm based in the heart of the UAE, we are deeply committed to empowering employees with a clear understanding of their fundamental rights and the precise procedures available to them. This meticulously updated guide for 2025 will walk you through each crucial step of filing a labor complaint in Dubai, ensuring you navigate the process with confidence and maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.

Proactive Preparation: Essential Steps Before Filing Your Labor Complaint in Dubai

Before initiating a formal UAE labor dispute process, dedicate time to meticulously gather all pertinent documentation. This comprehensive evidence will be the bedrock of your claim, ensuring a smoother and more efficient resolution process. Key documents to compile include:

Your comprehensive employment contract (including the initial agreement and any subsequent amendments or annexes).
Detailed salary slips covering the entire period in dispute.
Your official offer letter outlining the terms of your employment.
A clear copy of your valid Emirates ID.
Your official work permit or labor card issued by MOHRE.
Any and all written communication exchanged with your employer directly related to the grievance (this includes emails, formal letters, and even relevant WhatsApp messages).
Any other tangible evidence that directly supports your specific grievance (for example, detailed attendance records, formal performance evaluations, relevant medical reports, or photographic evidence of unsafe working conditions).

Furthermore, take the proactive step to familiarize yourself thoroughly with the UAE Labor Law. A solid understanding of your fundamental entitlements and your employer’s legal obligations will empower you to articulate your complaint effectively and ensure that the resolution you seek aligns precisely with the provisions of the law.

Your Step-by-Step Guide: Filing a Labor Complaint in Dubai, UAE (2025)

MOHRE offers several user-friendly channels for employees in Dubai to formally file a labor case in Dubai:

1.The Efficient Digital Route: Leveraging the MOHRE Website or Mobile App

Access the Official MOHRE E-Services Portal: Navigate to the comprehensive MOHRE e-services website: eservices.mohre.gov.ae.
Download the User-Friendly MOHRE Mobile App: For convenient on-the-go access, download the official “MOHRE” application directly from your device’s dedicated app store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store).
Secure Registration/Login: You will likely need to create a secure account using your valid Emirates ID or your UAE Pass credentials for seamless and secure access to the platform.
Initiate Your Formal Complaint: Within the platform’s intuitive interface, locate and select the appropriate option, such as “Labor Complaint” or “Salary Complaint,” to begin the process.
Provide Comprehensive and Accurate Details: Meticulously complete the online complaint form, ensuring the accuracy of all provided information. This includes:
- Your complete personal details (including your valid Emirates ID number, passport number, and active mobile phone number).
- Your employer’s full information (including the official company name and the trade license number, if readily available).
- Specific and accurate details regarding your employment (including your work permit number and all key terms outlined in your employment contract).
- A clear, concise, and factual narrative of your specific grievance, explicitly stating the core issue and all relevant dates (for example, “Unpaid salary for the months of March and April 2025,” “Unfair termination without providing due notice on May 15, 2025,” “Breach of the employment contract regarding the agreed-upon annual leave entitlement”).
- Critically, attach all supporting documents in readily accessible digital file formats directly through the platform.
Securely Submit Your Formal Claim: Once you have thoroughly reviewed all the entered information and attached all necessary supporting evidence, securely submit your formal complaint electronically through the platform. Upon successful submission, you will typically receive a unique reference number via SMS or email, which will allow you to effectively track the progress of your case.

2.Direct Voice Communication: Utilizing the MOHRE Helpline

Dial the Dedicated Toll-Free Helpline: Contact MOHRE’s dedicated Labour Claims and Advisory Call Centre by dialing the toll-free number 80084 (for callers located within the UAE) or 600-590-000.
Clearly Articulate Your Grievance: Speak directly with the knowledgeable customer service representative and provide a clear and concise explanation of your specific labor grievance. They will guide you through the initial steps of formally registering your complaint over the phone.

3.In-Person Assistance: Visiting Convenient Tasheel Service Centers

Locate Your Nearest Tasheel Center in Dubai: Tasheel centers are officially authorized service partners of MOHRE that provide a wide range of essential government services. Identify the most conveniently located Tasheel center within Dubai for you.
File Your Complaint with Expert Assistance: Visit the chosen center in person, bringing your complete and organized set of supporting documents with you. Clearly inform the staff that you wish to file a labor complaint. They will provide you with expert assistance in accurately completing the required forms and submitting your complaint through the official MOHRE system. Please be aware that Tasheel centers may levy a nominal service fee for providing this valuable assistance.

4.Direct Engagement: Visiting a MOHRE Office in Dubai

Identify the Relevant MOHRE Office in Your Area: Locate the specific MOHRE office within Dubai that directly handles labor complaints for your area of residence or work.
Submit Your Formal Complaint Form: Upon your arrival at the MOHRE office, you will need to complete a formal labor complaint form and submit it along with clearly organized physical copies of all your supporting documentation.

The Subsequent Steps: What Happens After You File Your Labor Complaint?

MOHRE’s Thorough Review and Initial Mediation Efforts: Once your formal complaint has been officially registered through any of the aforementioned channels, MOHRE will undertake a careful and thorough review of the specific details of your case. Following this initial review, MOHRE will proactively initiate an attempt to reach a mutually agreeable and amicable settlement between you and your employer through a structured process of mediation. A highly qualified legal officer from the Twa-fouq Dispute Resolution Centre, a specialized and dedicated unit within MOHRE specifically focused on the efficient and fair resolution of labor disputes, will likely contact both you and your employer directly. The purpose of this initial contact is to gain a comprehensive and unbiased understanding of the core issues underlying the dispute and to skillfully facilitate a mutually acceptable resolution that avoids further escalation.
The Dedicated Mediation Phase: The standard duration for this crucial mediation phase typically extends for approximately 14 calendar days. Throughout this period, MOHRE will ensure transparent communication by keeping both you and your employer consistently informed of any scheduled mediation sessions through official channels such as SMS or other formal communication methods. Active and good-faith participation in these mediation sessions is absolutely crucial for demonstrating your commitment to seeking a resolution without the need for protracted and potentially costly legal proceedings.
Formal Referral to the Dubai Labour Court (In the Absence of Settlement): If, despite the diligent and professional mediation efforts undertaken by MOHRE, a mutually agreeable and amicable settlement cannot be reached within the designated 14-day timeframe, MOHRE will formally issue an official referral letter (often explicitly referred to as a No Objection Certificate – NOC). This critically important document serves as the formal authorization that legally permits you to escalate your labor case to the Dubai Labour Court for a binding judicial resolution.
Initiating Formal Legal Action in the Labour Court: Upon your receipt of the official referral letter directly from MOHRE, it is imperative to note that you will have a strictly limited window of 14 calendar days from the precise date of issuance to formally file your labor case with the Dubai Labour Court. This critical step will involve the meticulous submission of the original referral letter, along with all other pertinent and well-organized documents directly related to your employment and the specific details of the dispute, to the designated court registry.
Navigating the Formal Court Proceedings: Once your labor case has been formally filed with the Dubai Labour Court, the matter will proceed strictly in accordance with the court’s established and well-defined legal procedures. This formal process may involve a series of scheduled court hearings, the formal and documented submission of all relevant evidence by both you and your employer, and ultimately, a legally binding judgment will be issued by the presiding judge based on the presented evidence and the applicable provisions of the UAE Labor Law. It is important to understand that the total duration of these formal court proceedings can vary depending on the specific complexity of your individual case, typically ranging from approximately 30 to 90 calendar days for a final judicial decision to be rendered.

Key Considerations for Employees in Dubai Facing Labor Disputes:

Act Swiftly and Decisively: It is generally strongly recommended that you formally file your labor complaint with MOHRE without undue delay, ideally within 30 calendar days from the precise date of the employer’s alleged breach of your employment contract or the specific violation of the labor law. Procrastination and delays can sometimes negatively impact the potential outcome and the timeliness of your case resolution.
Maintain Meticulous and Organized Records: Ensure that you maintain meticulously organized copies of absolutely all documents directly related to your employment, the specific details of the dispute, and any and all communication exchanged with both MOHRE officials and your employer throughout the entire process. These comprehensive records will serve as your most compelling and persuasive evidence throughout the entire legal journey.
Uphold Unwavering Professionalism: Throughout the entirety of the formal complaint process, it is absolutely essential to consistently maintain a professional, respectful, and composed demeanor in all your interactions with MOHRE officials, court personnel, and your employer. Maintaining a professional attitude will significantly enhance your credibility and ensure a more respectful and productive communication environment.
Seek Expert Legal Counsel Without Hesitation: If your specific labor case is particularly complex, involves significant financial claims, or if you feel uncertain or overwhelmed about effectively navigating the intricate legal procedures, it is highly and strongly recommended that you seek timely and expert legal advice from a qualified and experienced Dubai employment lawyer. A dedicated legal professional specializing in UAE labor law can provide you with invaluable strategic guidance, expertly represent your best interests throughout the entire legal process, and significantly increase your chances of achieving a favorable and just outcome.
Employer Retaliation is Strictly Illegal and Actionable: It is unequivocally against the law for your employer to engage in any form of retaliatory action against you simply for exercising your legal right to file a legitimate labor complaint. If you unfortunately experience any form of adverse action or retaliation from your employer as a direct consequence of filing a complaint, you have the absolute right to file an additional and separate complaint with MOHRE specifically addressing this illegal retaliatory behavior.

Conclusion

Your fundamental rights as an employee working in Dubai are firmly protected by the robust framework of the UAE Labor Law. By diligently understanding the specific process for filing a labor complaint and meticulously following each of these detailed steps, you can effectively and confidently seek a fair and just resolution to any challenging workplace issues that you may unfortunately encounter. At Al Saadi Advocates, we are steadfastly committed to providing you with the expert legal support and unwavering guidance you need to navigate these often-complex situations and ensure that your fundamental rights are vigorously upheld and protected throughout the entire process. Do not hesitate to contact our experienced team today for a completely confidential and insightful consultation.