Suppose you’re an overseas worker in the UAE. In that case, understanding your workplace rights is essential as UAE is quite strict about employee and consumer rights, especially if you face issues such as delayed salary or inappropriate passport retention.
Whether it’s a Department of Labor complaint or a more specific labour complaint in Dubai, there’s a clear process to address these violations. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), also known as the Ministry of Labor, is your primary authority for handling such matters. Through MOHRE, you can not only register your labor complaint but also check your labor complaint status. This will be your straightforward guide highlighting how to file and track your Labor Complaint in UAE Labour.
Highlights
- Introduction
- Grounds for Filing a Labour Complaint
- How to File a Labour Complaint
- How to Track Labour Complaints
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Contact Information
- Summary
- DISCLAIMER
Grounds for Filing a Labour Complaint
Navigating workplace challenges in a new environment, especially in a foreign land, can be overwhelming. The UAE, known for its cosmopolitan outlook, ensures the safety and rights of its diverse workforce through stringent regulations. To safeguard your rights as an employee, it’s imperative to understand the intricacies of Federal Law No. 8 of 1980, commonly referred to as the UAE Labour Law. However, for those who may be intimidated by dense legal terminologies or simply short on time, here’s an expanded rundown:
Salary Issues:
It can be distressing when your hard-earned money isn’t received on time. Whether you’re experiencing undue delays in your payments or, in extreme cases, not getting your salary, these situations provide valid grounds for complaining.
Leave Matters:
Everyone deserves a break. If you’re not being granted your rightful annual leaves, or if your requests for leaves during national public holidays are being ignored or denied, it’s essential to voice this concern.
Work Environment:
A conducive and safe workspace is fundamental. If you ever find yourself in a situation where your work environment is hazardous or poses risks to your health and well-being, it’s crucial to bring this to the attention of authorities.
Overtime Pay:
It’s only fair that extra work hours are compensated accordingly. If you’re clocking in overtime but aren’t seeing a reflection of this in your pay, it’s a matter of concern.
Passport Retention:
Holding onto personal documents, especially something as vital as a passport, without an individual’s explicit consent is a blatant violation of one’s rights. If your employer retains your key without your permission, it’s time to act.
End-of-Service Benefits:
You’re entitled to certain post-employment benefits after dedicated years of service. If these are being withheld or not granted, you have every reason to raise a complaint.
Visa Expenses:
Securing employment in a foreign land involves expenses, including visa charges. Unless there’s a prior agreement, employers should bear these costs. Being forced to cover these expenses yourself can be grounds for a complaint.
Maternity Leave:
Motherhood is a significant life phase, and expectant mothers are entitled to maternity leave as per law. If this right is being infringed upon or you’re denied the necessary leave, it’s a clear violation.
Extended Work Hours:
UAE law stipulates the maximum number of daily work hours, typically 8 or 9. If you’re consistently made to work beyond these hours without appropriate compensation, it’s essential to address this.
How to File a Labour Complaint?
If you feel your employment rights in the UAE have been breached, the Ministry of Human Resources and Marston (MOHRE) is at your service. Here’s how to do labour complaint registration to register your grievance through their multiple platforms:
A. Via Service Centre
When in doubt, the in-person method often proves effective.
- Locate your closest TASHEEL center, prevalent throughout the UAE. Remember, crucial paperwork like your passport, Emirates ID, and job agreement will be necessary.
- At the center, submit your personal and employer’s contact details and other pertinent information.
- A nominal fee might be charged for the processing.
- You’ll get a unique application ID post-submission via SMS or email.
- Expect a call from a legal consultant within 2-3 business days.
Note: TASHEEL mainly handles work-related concerns and transactions.
B. Via MOHRE Call Centre
Some might find the phone approach more straightforward:
- Dial uae labour contact number 600-590-000 for complaints by UAE citizens or 04-665-9999 for foreign employees in the private sector.
- A customer service representative will address your issue. Your case advances to the Department of Complaints and Advice if beyond immediate resolution.
- Based on their findings, you may need to proceed with a formal complaint, potentially leading to a judicial review.
C. Via MOHRE Website
Labour Complaint Online offers convenience in UAE Labour Complaint Process:
- Head to MOHRE’s official site.
- Choose your complaint type: ‘labor complaint’ or others like ‘salary issues.’
- Provide your details and describe your grievance.
Submit. - A legal expert should contact you within three days after reviewing your case.
D. Via MOHRE Mobile App
For those who are always on the move, the mobile app can be handy:
- Install the MOHRE application from Google Play or the App Store.
- Navigate to the “Service” section, then select “Employee” (other categories include “Employer” and “Domestic Worker”).
- Tap “Complaint.”
- Click on “Apply for this service.”
- You’ll find a verification page before you. Input your name and contact number.
- FOR AUTHENTICATION, you will get an OTP (One-Time Password) on your phone.
- Once verified, furnish personal details from your labor card or passport.
- Describe your grievance and submit it.
By following these steps, you ensure your concerns reach the concerned authorities, voicing the need for just workplace treatment in the UAE.
How to Track Labour Complaints?
Ensuring timely follow-up on the status of your labor complaint is not just essential; it’s a proactive approach to understanding the progression of your case. While awaiting resolution, it’s paramount that you remain informed every step of the way. To facilitate this, MOHRE offers multiple platforms for your convenience:
MOHRE Call Centre:
This method provides a direct and personal touch. If you’re a UAE citizen working within the private sector, all you need to do is dial 600-590-000 to check UAE Labour Complaint Process. On the other hand, if you’re a non-national, your dedicated Ministry of labour contact number is 04-665-9999. Friendly operators are on standby to guide you through the current status of your complaint, ensuring clarity and understanding. You can also use mohre whatsapp number to connect.
MOHRE Website:
The digital age we live in offers the advantage of online access. To leverage this, visit the MOHRE Inquiry Services on the official website. Once there, you have to log in using your credentials. Afterwards, simple input of your unique reference number will lead you directly to the real-time status of your complaint. This self-service feature provides ease, ensuring you can check updates anytime.
MOHRE Mobile App:
Mobile access is often the most convenient in our fast-paced world. Recognizing this, MOHRE offers a user-friendly mobile app. Once downloaded and logged in, navigate to the “service inquiry” section. Your transaction number is your gateway to updates in UAE Labour Complaint Process. After inputting it, the app will swiftly display the current position of your complaint, allowing you to stay updated even on the move.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Why file a labor complaint?
Common grounds include delayed salaries, passport withholding, unpaid overtime, and denial of end-of-service benefits.
How to complain?
Visit a service center, call the MOHRE center, or use the website or the mobile app.
Are you tracking a complaint?
You can utilize the mohre contact number, the official website, or the app to monitor UAE Labour Complaint Process.
Is There Any Fee?
Typically, it’s free. But some scenarios might incur service fees. If claims exceed AED 100,000, a 5% court fee is applicable.
From where can I get additional information?
Reach out to MOHRE’s Dubai or Abu Dhabi branches for detailed assistance.
Contact Information:
MOHRE Dubai:
It is located at Baghdad Street, Al Qusais, Dubai. Contact us at labour contact number +971600590000 or ask@mohre.gov.ae. Website. You also visit Dubai Police website to file a labor complaint.
MOHRE Abu Dhabi:
Find us at Mubadala Tower, Sultan Bin Zayed St., Abu Dhabi. Call mohre complaint number +97168027666 or email ask@mohre.gov.ae. Website.
Summary:
If you face workplace issues, remember that MOHRE is your platform to voice concerns. Whether it’s salary delays, denied benefits, or other grievances, MOHRE provides avenues to file and track complaints. Ensure your rights are protected; take prompt action and stay informed.
DISCLAIMER:
This guide aims to assist and inform. It’s purely for sharing purposes and should not replace official resources. Always consult MOHRE’s official channels or the UAE Government Portal for authoritative information regarding labor complaints.
