Are you facing issues at work and unsure how to resolve them? In the UAE, labor laws protect employee rights, including expats working in the private sector.
This guide will walk you through filing a labor dispute step by step using MOHRE services or other channels.
Keep reading to take control of your work situation!
Key Takeaways
- Collect important documents like your contract, pay slips, labor card, and communication records to support your claim. File within one year of the issue under UAE labor laws.
- Try solving issues directly with your employer first by discussing facts calmly. Use MOHRE’s free mediation for claims below AED 50,000 if needed.
- File a complaint through the MOHRE website, app, or Tasheel center using your UAE Pass account at no cost. A legal advisor will contact you within 72 hours to assist.
- MOHRE tries to mediate disputes in 14 days; unresolved cases are referred to labor court for final decisions. Workers need to register complaints with courts within 14 days of referral from MOHRE.
- Protect your rights by staying organized and informed about tools like the MOHRE app and Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 for expat employees in UAE workplaces.
Preparing to File a Labor Dispute
Start by organizing your proof, like contracts and salary slips. Try resolving the problem with your boss first—it might save a trip to MOHRE!
Gather all necessary evidence and documents
Collect all proof and papers to back your claim. You need copies of your employment contract, pay stubs, and communication with the employer about the issue.
If wages are unpaid or leave was denied, get records showing this.
Use emails or texts as evidence.
For employees filing claims, include a passport copy, labor card, and work permit. Employers must provide similar documents for their claims against workers. Missing any key document can delay or dismiss your case entirely.
Always file within one year of the issue to be valid under UAE labor laws. Organize these items early to avoid setbacks later on in court or during mediation by MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation).
Attempt to resolve the issue directly with your employer
Talk to your employer directly. Explain the problem clearly and politely. Focus on facts from your employment contract or UAE labor laws like Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
Ask for a meeting in private for open discussion. For unpaid salaries, wrongful termination, or breaches of contractual terms, show records like emails or salary slips as proof.
Let them know you are willing to settle things amicably within the initial 14-day period suggested by MOHRE.
If both agree, MOHRE can mediate claims below AED 50,000 at no extra cost. Use this chance to avoid court escalation and save time and money.
Once efforts fail with direct discussions, move forward using the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) complaint channels described next.
Filing the Labor Dispute
You can file your complaint online or in person. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) offers easy options for this process.
Submit a complaint through the MOHRE website, mobile app, or Tasheel service center
File your labor complaint through the MOHRE website, mobile app, or Tasheel service center. The MOHRE app is free and available on the App Store and Google Play. First, create a UAE Pass account to register your complaint online.
For in-person help, visit a Tasheel or Twa-fouq service center near you.
After submitting online or at a center, your case gets reviewed quickly. A Twa-fouq legal advisor usually contacts you within 72 hours to guide the next steps.
Filing your complaint through any of these options costs nothing.
Domestic worker cases can also be reported by their employers via these channels for quicker resolution.
What Happens After Filing
MOHRE steps in to mediate, but if talks break down, it’s off to the labor court for a final verdict.
Mediation by MOHRE and escalation to labor court if unresolved
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) tries to settle disputes in 14 days. Their aim is to mediate between employees and employers for a mutual agreement.
If the issue involves claims under AED 50,000 or both sides agree, MOHRE can resolve it directly.
Both parties can challenge MOHRE’s decision within 15 working days.
If no resolution happens during mediation, the case moves to Dubai labor court or another UAE labor court. The court must schedule a hearing within three days of receiving MOHRE’s report.
Workers have only 14 days after referral by MOHRE to register their complaint with the court.
During this time, they cannot work for anyone else unless they hold a temporary work permit.
A quick response from either side can save you months of trouble, as many legal experts suggest about easing labor disputes in the UAE system.
Conclusion
Filing a labor dispute in the UAE might seem tricky, but it’s not impossible. Gather your evidence, follow the steps, and use MOHRE tools like their app or website.
If talks with your employer fail, let mediation or the court handle it.
Protecting your rights is worth every step of the process. Stay informed and act confidently!
FAQs
1. How can I file a labor dispute as an expat in the UAE?
Start by visiting the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) website or using the MOHRE app. File your complaint online, explaining issues like unpaid salaries, wrongful termination, or breach of employment terms.
2. What is the mediation process for labor disputes in the UAE?
After filing your grievance through MOHRE, they will arrange a meeting with both parties to mediate. This step aims to resolve disputes without escalating them to court.
3. When should I escalate my case to Dubai Labor Court?
If mediation fails at MOHRE, you can take your case to Dubai Labor Court for legal proceedings. Bring documents like your employment contract and evidence of any violations under UAE labor laws.
4. Can I claim end-of-service benefits if my employer breaches our contract?
Yes, employees are entitled to end-of-service benefits under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 if their employer violates agreed-upon terms in their employment contracts.
5. Where can I get help with filing a labor dispute in person?
You can visit Tasheel service centers across the UAE for assistance with submitting complaints related to employee rights or other labor grievances.
6. What happens if my employer withholds my salary illegally?
Unpaid salaries violate UAE labor regulations and employee rights under federal law. You may report this issue through MOHRE channels for resolution or further legal action via court escalation if necessary.