Have you ever felt unfairly treated at work in the UAE and wondered what your rights are?
Filing a labour complaint might seem intimidating, but it’s actually more accessible than many people think. Whether you’re facing unpaid wages, wrongful termination, or contract violations, the UAE government has systems in place to help protect your rights as an employee.
This article will walk you through the entire process of submitting a labour complaint in the UAE, including important contact numbers, legal pathways, and what to expect at each stage.
Understanding Labour Rights in the UAE
Before filing a labour complaint, it’s essential to understand the UAE Labour Law. It is designed to protect both employees and employers. It covers matters like wages, working hours, rest days, safety, and more.
If any of these rights are violated, the employee has the legal right to raise a complaint, either through government channels or the judicial system.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) oversees employment matters and is your first point of contact if you feel your rights have been violated. This includes both private sector employees and domestic workers.
When Should You File a Labour Complaint?
Not all workplace issues require formal complaints. However, if your employer refuses to pay your salary, fires you without notice, withholds your passport, forces you to work unpaid overtime, or breaches your employment contract, you should consider filing a complaint.
Filing a labour complaint also becomes necessary when internal attempts to resolve the issue have failed or when your employer refuses to cooperate.
Methods for Filing a Labour Complaint
There are several methods to file a labour complaint in the UAE. For those wondering how to complain in labour court, the most convenient way for most people is through the official MoHRE channels.
You can file your complaint through the MoHRE website, mobile app, or by calling the labour complaint toll-free number.
The UAE’s labour complaint number is 80060. This is a 24/7 toll-free line that provides assistance in multiple languages. You can explain your issue, and a representative will guide you on the next steps.
For employees in Dubai, there is also UAE labour complaint number, which routes you to Dubai-specific support. However, all private sector labour disputes are primarily managed by MoHRE, regardless of emirate.
If you’re dealing with serious legal issues like wrongful termination or harassment, you may need to escalate the case to the Dubai Labour Court’s online complaint system, which is also managed under judicial supervision. For this purpose, we recommend getting the best labour lawyers in Dubai.
Steps to Submit a Labour Complaint Online
To file a labour complaint in Dubai or from any other emirate online, visit the MoHRE website or download the app.
Start by entering your Emirates ID or labour card number. Then choose the type of complaint and provide a detailed description of your issue. Upload supporting documents such as your contract, proof of salary payments, and written communications with your employer.
Once submitted, you’ll receive a labour complaint number. This reference number helps you track the status of your complaint and allows you to follow up easily.
A labour relations officer will contact you to try and mediate the dispute. In many cases, issues are resolved at this stage. If not, the complaint is forwarded to the court system.
Dubai Labour Court’s Online Complaint Process
If mediation fails, your complaint will be referred to the Labour Court. The Dubai Labour Court’s online complaint system allows employees to escalate disputes that require a legal decision. You will be given an appointment date for a court hearing.
It’s crucial to bring all your documentation and to be fully prepared. Court proceedings in Dubai are conducted professionally and offer both parties a chance to present their case. Language support is available, but hiring legal counsel significantly increases your chances of success.
How to Cancel Labour Complaint Online
There are situations where you may wish to cancel a complaint. Maybe the employer and employee reached a mutual agreement after the complaint was filed. If so, you can request to withdraw your case.
To cancel labour complaint online, log into your MoHRE account, locate your complaint under “My Cases,” and select the cancel option. You will be asked to provide a reason for cancellation. Once approved, the case will be closed.
Note that once a case has been referred to court, cancellation may require formal withdrawal through legal channels.
What Happens After Filing?
Filing a labour complaint is just the beginning of the process. Understanding what follows after submission can help you stay prepared, make informed decisions, and respond correctly if further action is needed.
Receiving Your Labour Complaint Number
Once your complaint is submitted through MoHRE’s website, app, or via their customer service channels, you’ll receive a unique Dubai labour complaint number.
This number acts as your case reference and is essential for tracking the status of your complaint, receiving updates, or following up with MoHRE representatives.
Make sure to keep this number safe. You’ll be asked to provide it during any correspondence or inquiry about your complaint.
Mediation by MoHRE Officials
After receiving your complaint, MoHRE assigns a labour relations officer to your case. This officer will contact both you and your employer to try and mediate the dispute. The goal is to reach an amicable resolution without needing to escalate the matter to the judicial system.
This mediation phase usually lasts up to 10 working days. During this period, both parties are expected to respond to inquiries, submit additional documents if requested, and participate in discussions that may include in-person or phone-based meetings.
In many cases, especially those involving unpaid salaries or end-of-service benefits, issues are resolved within this timeframe.
Issuance of a Referral Letter to Labour Court
If mediation efforts are unsuccessful and no agreement is reached, MoHRE will officially close the complaint at their level and issue a referral letter. This document is required to move your case to the Labour Court. Without it, the court will not accept your case.
The referral letter includes a summary of the complaint, actions taken during mediation, and a statement that the issue was unresolved. It also outlines the next steps, including how and where to submit your case.
Filing Your Case with the Labour Court
With the referral letter in hand, you can now proceed to the Labour Court located in the emirate where your company is registered. If you’re in Dubai, this process can often be initiated through the Dubai labour court online complaint system, allowing digital filing of documents & follow-ups.
Once the case is accepted by the court, you will receive a hearing date. During the court process, both parties can present evidence, witness statements, contracts, salary slips, and any other supporting documents.
Court proceedings are handled by judges familiar with employment laws and are conducted in Arabic. Translation services are often available, but proceedings can still be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with legal systems.
Why Legal Guidance Matters When Filing Labour Complaints in the UAE
Labour laws in the UAE are comprehensive but can be difficult to navigate, especially for expatriates. Misunderstanding legal terms, missing deadlines, or filing incorrect information can weaken your case.
If you’re unsure how to complaint in labour court, seeking proper guidance becomes essential. For residents of Dubai and nearby areas, consulting professionals like Ayesha Aljaziri Lawyers & Legal Consultants can be a smart decision.
Their team provides expert legal support on how to submit and manage labour complaints effectively, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way.
Conclusion
Understanding how to file a labour complaint in the UAE empowers you to protect your rights and seek fair treatment in the workplace.
Whether you’re dealing with unpaid wages, contract violations, or termination issues, the UAE has a clear and accessible system in place for resolving such problems.
Using the free-toll labour complaint number in Dubai, MoHRE website, or even the Dubai Labour Court’s online complaint system, employees can find justice. But when things get complicated, professional help can make all the difference.
If you’re unsure about your next steps or need legal assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Ayesha Aljaziri Lawyers & Legal Consultants at +971 5594 83605 or email info@aljaziriadvocates.com for trusted and knowledgeable support.
