How to File a Labour Case in Dubai
A step-by-step guide for employees with unpaid salary, gratuity or dismissal claims.
In short: to file a labour case in Dubai, submit a complaint to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) online, through the MOHRE app, or at a service centre. MOHRE invites both sides to settle. If that fails, MOHRE either decides the claim itself (for smaller claims) or refers it to the Labour Court. The judgment is then enforced through the execution court.
Get Help With Your Claim
Before You File: Calculate Your Claim
List everything owed: unpaid salary, allowances, overtime, unused leave, notice pay, end-of-service gratuity, repatriation ticket and, if relevant, compensation for arbitrary dismissal. Claims left out at the start are harder to add later.
Documents to Prepare
- Employment contract (MOHRE version) and any offer letter
- Payslips and bank statements showing salary paid or missing
- Termination or resignation letter
- Emails and messages about salary, warnings or dismissal
- Emirates ID, passport and work permit details
Step-by-Step Process
- File the complaint with MOHRE with the documents and a clear list of amounts claimed.
- Attend the settlement meeting. MOHRE contacts both sides to reach an agreement. Do not sign a settlement that waives amounts you have not received.
- MOHRE decision or referral. For smaller claims, MOHRE can issue a binding decision. Otherwise, you receive a referral to the Labour Court.
- Labour Court. The claim is registered, and the court may appoint an expert to calculate amounts. Labour claims below a set value are usually exempt from court fees.
- Appeal. Either side can appeal within the legal deadline.
- Enforcement. If the employer does not pay, the execution court can attach accounts and assets.
How Long It Takes
| Stage | Indicative duration |
|---|---|
| MOHRE settlement stage | A few weeks |
| Labour Court judgment | A few months |
| Appeal | A further few months |
Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving the UAE before filing; it is much harder to manage the case from abroad.
- Signing a "full and final settlement" before being paid.
- Waiting too long; a time limit runs from the end of employment.
- Absconding reports: if your employer files one, respond quickly with advice.
For advice on your claim, see our labour lawyers in Dubai. For workplace injuries, see accident and injury lawyers.
Stages Of A Labour Claim
Help with the MOHRE complaint, the settlement meeting and the Labour Court claim.
- MOHRE Complaint Registration
- Settlement Negotiation
- Referral To The Labour Court
- Statement Of Claim Preparation
- Calculation Of Entitlements
- Evidence Of Salary And Service
- Court Hearings
- Judgment And Appeal
- Execution Against The Employer
Related Legal Services
If your matter involves another area of law, start with the page below.
- Labour LawyersUnpaid wages, end-of-service gratuity and unfair dismissal.
- Corporate LawyersCompany set-up, shareholder agreements, restructuring and disputes.
- Contract Drafting LawyersDrafting and reviewing contracts that hold up under UAE law.
- Civil LawyersContract, debt, compensation and commercial claims before the civil courts.
- Legal AdvisorOngoing legal advice for individuals and businesses.
- Litigation LawyersCourt representation in civil, commercial and property disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
General guidance on this area of law. Advice on your own case requires your documents.
Where Do I File A Labour Complaint In Dubai?
With the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), online, through the MOHRE app or at a service centre.
Is There A Fee To File A Labour Case In Dubai?
Labour claims below a set value are generally exempt from court fees. Your lawyer can confirm whether fees apply to your claim.
How Long Does A Labour Case Take In Dubai?
The MOHRE stage usually takes a few weeks. A Labour Court judgment typically takes a few months, plus any appeal.
Can I File A Labour Case After Leaving My Job?
Yes, but within the legal time limit from the end of employment. File as soon as possible.
Can I Work For A New Employer While My Labour Case Is Ongoing?
Often yes, depending on your visa and permit status. Take advice before changing jobs during a dispute.
How Do I File A Complaint With MOHRE?
File through the MOHRE app or website, or at a Tas-heel or Tawafuq service centre, using your Emirates ID and employment details. MOHRE first tries to settle the dispute with the employer. If there is no settlement, the case is referred to the Labour Court.
Have Your Labour Claim Prepared Before You File
Send the contract, the offer letter, the termination notice and your salary record.
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