How to file or track a MOHRE complaint
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), previously known as the Ministry of Labour, is committed to overseeing the implementation of labour rights and settling disputes in the workplace. There are specific laws to protect the rights of employees in the UAE. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to file a MOHRE complaint and an explanation of the situations that may lead to you needing to do so.
WHEN CAN AN EMPLOYEE FILE A COMPLAINT IN THE UAE?
The UAE Labour Law (Federal Law No. 20 of 2023) includes various clauses that govern the rights of labours. Employees have the right to report their employers upon violation of these stipulations:
- You don’t have a safe and secure environment to work in.
- You are not given annual leaves and are not allowed to take leave on public holidays.
- There are delays in wages or salary.
- Pregnant employees are not given maternity leave.
- The employer is holding an employee’s passport.
- You are made to work more than 8 or 9 hours daily.
- At the time of resignation, you are not given gratuity pay despite working for the required period in the company.
- You are not given a 30-day grace period after the termination of your employment contract.
- You are asked to repay employment visa costs.
How to Request MOHRE Complaint?
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has a very transparent and convenient procedure for complaining. Once you file a complaint, the department looks into the issue, communicates with both parties and settles the dispute.
MOHRE CALL CENTRE
- Contact the MOHRE call centre at 600-5900-00.
- The customer care representative will answer your queries and try to handle the complaint.
- If they cannot address your concerns immediately, your complaint will be forwarded to the Department of Complaints and Advice.
- If resolved by the department, the case will be closed.
- If the situation is not handled successfully, the person in charge will help you file an official complaint, which can lead to a court case.
MOHRE ONLINE COMPLAINT OPTION
Both employees and employers can lodge a MOHRE labour complaint using the official website or the mobile app. The process requires you to:
- Visit the MOHRE website or download the app from Apple or Playstore
- Select either ‘Salary Complaint’ or ‘Labour Complaint’
- Register as a user with your UAE pass
- Add complaint details on MOHRE and submit
Once your application has been submitted, a legal advisor working for the Twa-fouq centre will call you within 72 hours. For MOHRE complaint status check, visit the MOHRE inquiry services and easily track your complaint by entering a transaction number.
TWA-FOUQ SERVICE CENTRES
Twa-fouq service centres are licenced to receive MOHRE complaints. They perform the initial investigation, provide recommendations to the ministry, and try to find an amicable solution. They can also arrange a phone discussion with both parties or a meeting with a legal advisor.
The request is forwarded to the court if a resolution is not reached between the relevant parties within two weeks. Moreover, these service centres reply to inquiries regarding work relations and provide legal advice.
LABOUR COURTS
If a mutually agreeable settlement cannot be reached within 14 days of application, the Twa-fouq service centre also provides the court with a case memo outlining a summary of the dispute. This includes comments from the labour department and evidence from both parties. The court will fix a hearing date. If necessary, the court may request a labour department representative to appear and explain the case details. Subsequently, a judgement will be made on the matter.
How to Track MOHRE Complaint
Here is how to check labour complaint status:
- Visit the MOHRE Services section
- Visit the official portal
- Add your MOHRE complaint number/ labour complaint number
- Click Submit
This will give you a status update on your MOHRE complaint online. You can use the app or phone the call centre to track MOHRE complaints.
AMENDMENTS ABOUT FILING MOHRE COMPLAINTS
- For Disputes under AED 50,000: The Ministry now holds final executive authority on disputes involving workers, companies, domestic workers or recruitment agencies, with a claimed value of AED 50,000 or less. This streamlines the process and ensures faster claim resolution.
- Enforcement of Amicable Settlements: The new regulations also apply to enforcing previously agreed-upon amicable settlements facilitated by MOHRE, regardless of the claimed amount. This upholds the integrity of such agreements.
- Right to Appeal and Court Hearing: Both parties retain the right to appeal MOHRE’s decision within 15 working days of notification. The Court of Appeals will schedule a hearing within three working days, ensuring a timely resolution.
- Efficient Handling of Larger Disputes: For disputes exceeding AED 50,000, MOHRE will continue its efforts to reach amicable settlements. If an agreement cannot be reached, the case will be referred to the relevant court for resolution within a maximum of 15 working days.
FAQS
WHAT IS THE FEE FOR FILING MOHRE COMPLAINT?
MOHRE file complaint services are free. However, fees will apply if your complaint is not resolved through MOHRE and you choose to pursue it as a labour dispute case in the Labour Court.
These fees vary depending on the emirate where the case is filed. For example, in Dubai, charges for filing a labour dispute case starts at AED 5,000.
What is MOHRE complaint contact number?
For any inquiries regarding the complaint MOHRE system, you can call:
- Local Number: 600-590-000 (available 24/7)
- International Number: +971-68-027-666 (dedicated for foreigners)
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT LABOUR LAWS IN THE UAE?
Those living in the UAE can work for government bodies or the private sector. Here’s an overview of the labour laws for the private sector to help you understand worker rights in the UAE.
CAN I FILE COMPLAINTS AGAINST DOMESTIC WORKERS?
You can file a complaint regarding your domestic worker, who falls under your sponsorship. To initiate a formal complaint, visit the official MOHRE website, app or Tasheel service centre.
This wraps up our blog about the procedure to file a complaint via MOHRE in the UAE. Besides the complaint department, the MOHRE e-Services section is pretty helpful. You can quickly check your labour card online and learn more about the rules and regulations of working in the UAE.
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