A MOHRE labour complaint is the UAE’s official process for resolving most private-sector employment disputes (e.g., unpaid salary, termination, benefits). You can file and follow up via the MOHRE website/app, WhatsApp 600590000, or the Labour Claims & Advisory Center 80084. Prepare your contract and supporting evidence (e.g., resignation/dismissal letter, payroll proof).
What This Guide Is Designed To Do?
People have something is already at risk: unpaid salary, termination pressure, final settlement/gratuity disagreements, or an employer trying to reduce exposure to a complaint. This guide is built like a dispute triage tool—it gives the filing rule, the practical consequence, and the next step that avoids delays.
What Is a MOHRE Labour Complaint?
A MOHRE labour complaint is a formal dispute filed through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) by employees or employers over breaches of UAE labour contracts. Common issues include unpaid wages, unfair dismissal, and unsafe working conditions. MOHRE usually attempts mediation within 14 days.
Key Aspects of a MOHRE Complaint
- Purpose: Resolve workplace violations such as unpaid wages, visa issues, or employment term disputes.
- Applicability: Mainland companies fall under MOHRE; free zone employees should contact their authority first but can later escalate to MOHRE if needed.
- Process & Resolution:
- Mediation: MOHRE facilitates amicable settlement (typically 14 days).
- Binding Decisions: Claims under AED 50,000 or unresolved settlements may receive a final MOHRE decision.
- Court Referral: Claims above AED 50,000 or failed mediation require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for labour court.
- Filing Channels: Website, mobile app, call center (80060), Tasheel centres.
- Documentation: Labour contract, salary proof, ID, and other supporting evidence.
Common Reasons for Filing
Absconding Reports: Employees absent for more than seven consecutive days.
Financial Disputes: Unpaid salaries, discrepancies, or end-of-service benefits.
Contractual Issues: Unfair dismissal, forced resignation, non-renewal of contract.
Work Environment: Unsafe conditions, lack of facilities, overtime issues.
Before You File: Quick Eligibility & Jurisdiction Check (Avoid Delays)
Filing a MOHRE complaint can be straightforward—or it can become lengthy and costly if you go down the wrong path. Before submitting, it’s important to confirm your eligibility, understand which authority applies, and know when to seek legal guidance. Doing a quick check upfront can save time, prevent errors, and protect your rights.
Private Sector vs Domestic Worker Complaints
MOHRE handles complaints through different channels depending on employee type. This guide covers private-sector employees. If your issue involves a domestic worker, use the dedicated domestic worker service to avoid delays from filing in the wrong channel.
DIFC / ADGM Warning
If your contract falls under DIFC or ADGM, the dispute process may differ from MOHRE’s federal private-sector procedures. Check the governing jurisdiction in your contract before following MOHRE steps.
Do You Need a Lawyer Before Filing?
Use this quick triage:
- File yourself if the issue is straightforward and you have clear documentation (contract + payroll proof).
- Seek a quick legal review if:
- You’re being pressured to sign a waiver
- Allegations of misconduct exist
- The claim involves a large amount
- You’re unsure of your entitlements (salary, notice, benefits)
- Employers/HR: get a compliance review before terminating or disciplining employees if documentation is incomplete—weak records often escalate disputes.
For professional guidance, see our Labour & Employment Lawyer services.
Step-By-Step: How To File a MOHRE Labour Complaint
Filing a labour complaint with MOHRE doesn’t have to be confusing. Following the correct process from the start ensures faster resolution, avoids unnecessary delays, and maximizes your chances of a favourable outcome. The key is to prepare your claim clearly, support it with evidence, and use the right filing channels.
Step 1) Choose Your Filing Channel
MOHRE’s private-sector complaint service allows applicants to follow up via:
- MOHRE website (Inquiry Service)
- MOHRE smart app
- WhatsApp 600590000
- Labour Claims & Advisory Center 80084
Practical choice guide
- Use WhatsApp for quick access and guidance (MOHRE has an official WhatsApp business account).
- Use 80084 if you want structured guidance before filing or during follow-up.
Step 2) Prepare Your Complaint in “Claim Format” (This Prevents Delays)
Write your complaint like this:
- What happened (5–8 lines, date-based timeline)
- What you want (salary amount, benefits, settlement items—be specific)
- What proves it (document list: contract + payroll/WPS/bank proof + written communications)
Avoid long narratives. MOHRE outcomes move faster when requests are clear, numeric, and document-backed.
Step 3) Prepare Required Documents (Minimum Set)
MOHRE’s private-sector complaint service explicitly references “documents supporting the claims,” and gives an example such as a resignation or dismissal letter (where relevant).
Minimum recommended pack:
- Employment contract (+ MOHRE contract copy if available)
- Salary proof (WPS/bank transfers/payslips)
- Resignation or dismissal letter (if termination/resignation is part of the complaint)
- Written communications (email/WhatsApp) supporting the claim
Step 4) Submit and Track the Complaint
After submission, MOHRE indicates you can follow up through the same channels (website/app/WhatsApp/80084).
Respond quickly if additional documents are requested—most “stuck cases” are stuck because evidence wasn’t supplied in time.
MOHRE Complaint Channels (Which One to Use)
MOHRE provides multiple channels for filing and following up on labour complaints. Choosing the right channel depends on whether you need guidance, quick access, or formal tracking.
| Channel | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MOHRE Website / Inquiry Service | Filing + tracking | Official follow-up channel listed by MOHRE |
| MOHRE Smart App | Filing on mobile | Official follow-up channel listed by MOHRE |
| WhatsApp 600590000 | Quick access + enquiries | MOHRE has an official WhatsApp business account |
| Labour Claims & Advisory Center 80084 | Guidance + follow-up | Listed by MOHRE as a follow-up option |
Common Mistakes That Weaken MOHRE Complaints
Filing a MOHRE complaint can be straightforward—but small mistakes can slow down the process, reduce your leverage, or even cause claims to fail. Being aware of common pitfalls helps you protect your rights, avoid delays, and strengthen your case from the start.
Filing with the wrong service or missing documents
MOHRE references supporting documents and indicates examples like resignation/dismissal letters where applicable—missing these commonly delays progress.
Signing “Full & Final Settlement” under pressure
If you sign before verifying the breakdown, you may waive claims you intended to pursue. If the wording is unclear, link to Contract Law for settlement wording reviews.
Submitting a complaint with no numbers
A complaint that doesn’t clearly state what is owed (and how you calculated it) becomes harder to process and easier to dispute.
Do This Today (Fast, Low-Risk Steps)
Labour disputes in the UAE can escalate quickly if you act without a plan. Taking immediate, evidence-backed steps—whether you’re an employee or employer—can protect your rights, reduce risk, and improve outcomes if the issue moves to MOHRE. The key is to document everything, follow legal procedures, and verify claims before signing or submitting.
If You’re an Employee
- Save: Contract + MOHRE contract copy (if available)
- Collect: Salary proof (WPS/bank/payslips) + HR messages
- If resigning: Send written notice (date-stamped)
- Do not sign waivers until you verify what rights you’re releasing
If You’re an Employer / HR
- Keep notices and decisions written and trackable
- Build a clean file: warnings, performance notes, attendance, policy references
- Prepare a settlement breakdown that matches payroll records
High-risk cases:
If exposure is significant, involve Business Law (business risk) or Corporate Law (compliance governance)
If the dispute involves unpaid salary, termination pressure, misconduct allegations, or settlement waivers, a document-first legal review can prevent irreversible mistakes and strengthen your MOHRE submission: Labour & Employment Lawyer Services
Required Documents Checklist (By Scenario)
MOHRE’s private-sector service references submitting documents that support your claim (e.g., resignation or dismissal letter where applicable). (mohre.gov.ae)
| Scenario | Minimum Documents (Attach These) | Common Missing Item That Causes Delays |
|---|---|---|
| Unpaid salary / delayed salary | Contract + salary proof (WPS/bank transfers/payslips) + HR messages + simple timeline | Bank/WPS proof with dates (people submit screenshots with no context) |
| Termination / forced resignation | Contract + dismissal letter or resignation letter (if issued) + last salary proof + written warnings/communications (if they exist) | The termination/resignation document itself (mohre.gov.ae) |
| Final settlement dispute | Contract + settlement calculation summary + payroll proof + leave balance proof + any “full & final” document (if presented) | The signed form/waiver language (critical for what you can still claim) |
| Gratuity / end-of-service dispute | Contract + basic wage breakdown (payslips/HR letter) + service dates + settlement sheet (if provided) | Basic wage proof vs total wage confusion (weakens claim framing) |
| Leave salary / annual leave / benefits | Contract + leave requests/approvals + HR policy excerpt (if available) + payslips showing leave pay or deductions | Leave balance evidence (HR system screenshot without dates/approvals) |
| Employer/HR response pack | Contract + attendance logs + warnings/performance records + policy references + payroll/WPS proof + written notices | Inconsistent reasoning (“performance” becomes “misconduct” with no file) |
- If settlement wording / waiver language is involved, reference Contract Lawyer
- For dispute strategy and escalation positioning: Labour & Employment Lawyer
What Happens After You File?
The UAE’s official portal explains the labour dispute path is handled through MOHRE and includes steps for filing a complaint and moving through the dispute process. (u.ae)
In practice, most private-sector cases follow this pattern:
- Complaint registration (your claim is recorded)
- MOHRE contact (MOHRE may reach out to parties and request documents/clarifications)
- Settlement attempt / facilitated resolution (often where evidence quality matters most)
- Next steps if unresolved (depends on category/procedure—keep your file ready and consistent)
Key performance rule: the fastest cases are the ones with (a) a short timeline, (b) a clear request (amount/remedy), and (c) documents attached from day one.
MOHRE Complaint Templates
Filing a MOHRE complaint can be straightforward if your claim is clear, document-backed, and timeline-oriented. Use these templates to organize your submission and improve your chances of a fast resolution.
Employee Template (Unpaid Salary / Termination / Benefits)
Subject: MOHRE Labour Complaint — [Unpaid Salary / Termination / Final Settlement]
Employer: [Company Name]
Employment Dates: [Start date] to [Current/End date]
Issue Summary (Timeline):
- [Date] — [What happened]
- [Date] — [What happened]
- [Date] — [What happened]
What I Am Requesting:
- Unpaid salary for: [Month(s)] = [AED amount]
- Pending benefits / leave salary: [AED amount]
- Final settlement items disputed: [list]
Evidence Attached:
- Employment contract (+ MOHRE contract if available)
- Salary proof (WPS/bank statements/payslips)
- HR communications (email/WhatsApp)
- Resignation/dismissal letter (if applicable)
Preferred Outcome:
Payment of outstanding amounts + written settlement breakdown.
Employer / HR Response Template (Defense Pack)
Subject: MOHRE Response — [Employee Name] Complaint
Employee: [Name]
Employment Dates: [Start date] to [End date]
Company Position (Short):
The company disputes/accepts the claim as follows: [1–2 lines]
Facts + Timeline (Documented):
- [Date] — [Notice issued / meeting / warning]
- [Date] — [Payroll action / settlement calculation]
Evidence Attached:
- Contract and relevant policies
- Payroll/WPS proof + settlement breakdown
- Written notices, warnings, attendance logs (if relevant)
Resolution Proposal (If Any):
[Offer/settlement terms] with breakdown.
- Employer governance/compliance systems: Corporate Law
- Business-level dispute support: Business Law
MOHRE Labour Complaint – Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I File a MOHRE Labour Complaint Online?
Use MOHRE’s private-sector complaint service via the MOHRE website inquiry services or smart app, and follow up through the listed channels.
What Documents Are Required for a MOHRE Labour Complaint?
At minimum, prepare your employment contract and documents supporting your claim such as payroll/WPS proof and (where relevant) a resignation or dismissal letter.
What Is the MOHRE Complaint WhatsApp Number?
MOHRE has an official WhatsApp business account at 600590000.
What Is the MOHRE Labour Claims & Advisory Center Number?
MOHRE lists the Labour Claims & Advisory Center as 80084 for guidance and follow-up.
Can I File a MOHRE Complaint Without a Contract?
If the contract is missing, you should still file with whatever evidence you have (salary proof, communications, ID details). The complaint is stronger when supported with documents; start collecting payroll proof immediately.
What If My Employer Does Not Respond to MOHRE?
Continue follow-up through MOHRE’s official channels (website/app/WhatsApp/80084). Non-response does not automatically end a case—document your attempts and keep your evidence file complete.
Does MOHRE Handle DIFC or ADGM Employment Disputes?
Not always. The official UAE portal notes labour disputes are handled through MOHRE for the private sector, but DIFC/ADGM can have separate regimes—confirm your contract jurisdiction first.
When It’s No Longer “Just Filing”
Consider a fast document review (before you submit or sign) if any of the following apply:
- You’re being pressured to sign full & final settlement wording
- The employer is alleging misconduct (reputation + future employment risk)
- The unpaid amount is high or repeated (multiple pay cycles)
- You’re unsure what to claim (salary, notice pay, benefits, settlement items)
