File online or via the MOHRE app
Go to mohre.gov.ae or download the MOHRE app. Create an account and submit a "Labour Complaint" — it takes about 10–15 minutes to complete the form. The service is free.
Mediation appointment
You'll receive a case number and a mediation appointment — typically within 3–7 business days. Both you and your employer attend. A MOHRE officer facilitates the discussion.
If mediation fails — Labour Court
If no resolution is reached, MOHRE issues a referral to the Labour Court automatically. Court fees for employment cases are minimal. Most cases resolve within 2–4 months.
Know Your Exact Notice Period
Calculate your legal notice period entitlement and final pay date in seconds.
Use the Free Calculator →Minimum 30 calendar days per year after completing one year of service. During the first year, you accrue 2 days per month after completing 6 months. Public holidays are separate and not counted against annual leave.
No. An employer cannot reduce salary without written employee consent. If they do, you can file a MOHRE complaint. The reduction constitutes a contract breach and may support a constructive dismissal claim.
Arbitrary dismissal is termination without genuine business or performance cause. If found arbitrary by a court, the employer must pay up to 3 months' full salary compensation in addition to notice pay and gratuity.
File via mohre.gov.ae or the MOHRE app. The process is free. You'll be assigned a mediation appointment within days. If mediation fails, the case goes to the Labour Court automatically at no additional cost.
Work bans were largely abolished under the 2022 Labour Law. Employees can now change jobs freely after completing notice, without needing an NOC from their previous employer. Work bans remain possible only in specific situations such as abandoning employment without notice.
90 days per year after 3 months' service: first 15 days fully paid, next 30 days at 50%, final 45 days unpaid. A medical certificate from an approved provider is required. You cannot be dismissed for taking legitimate sick leave.
No — it is illegal. If your employer has your passport without written consent, report it to MOHRE or the police. This is a serious violation and treated as such by UAE authorities.
Yes. Hours beyond 8/day or 48/week must be compensated at 125% of regular hourly rate, or 150% for overtime between 10pm and 4am. Senior managers may be contractually exempt — check your employment contract.
