UAE Labor Card

Emiratization of skilled jobs in the UAE increased by 2% from 2022 to 4% in 2023. The job-creating goal is to achieve 10% by 2026, with an annual growth rate of 2%. With the increasing employment rate in the (United Arab Emirates) UAE, people are already researching what is required to enter the nation for their career growth. Primarily, whether starting their first job or establishing a business, those hoping to work in the UAE must understand the labor laws and the requirements for obtaining a labor card. This article will explain the meaning of a labor card, its significance, and how it impacts their job in the UAE.

What is a UAE labor card?

A UAE labor card, also known as a “UAE work permit, " is a formal document that certifies an individual's legal permission to work in the UAE. It is given by either a relevant authority within the free zone or the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

The UAE labour card contains key details such as an employee's job title, employer information, and employment duration. It serves as work identification. All UAE workers must have a labor card, which they must always carry to abide by labor regulations.

Why is the labor card important for employees in the UAE?

This employment document allows UAE employees to be legally validated. Workers without valid labour cards are not allowed to work and face legal repercussions and penalties.

It ensures that employees can avail themselves of their rights and benefits, including payroll processing and eligibility for other benefits at the workplace.

The card further facilitates referencing terms and conditions of employment because most such data are digitally stored and thus accessible through platforms like the MoHRE portal or MoHRE app (UAE Pass app).

Keeping their labour card details updated and accurate protects workers against discrepancies or disputes regarding their employment status.

Who needs to obtain a labor card in the UAE?

Anyone who works in the UAE needs a labor card, regardless of whether they work in the public or private sector. It doesn't matter whether the employee works for a mainland company registered with MoHRE or in free zones regulated by its authority—a labor card is a must.

Businesses can hire employees from outside the UAE with a work permit. According to UAE labour laws, employers must obtain work permits for all their employees with updated and accurate details. This provision applies to both foreign workers and UAE nationals that upholds UAE labour laws while protecting employees' rights and employers' obligations.

What are the eligibility criteria for obtaining a labor card?

Employee eligibility criteria

• Employee eligibility criteria age should be 18 or older, but at most, it should be 60.
• Must possess the professional and necessary academic qualifications ascertained by the existing job profile (for example, degrees or diplomas for professional jobs).
• A fitness test must be passed to ensure workplace capability and safety.
• Shall comply with all rules and regulations set by MoHRE.

Employer’s responsibilities

• Maintaining updated employee records to complete the UAE labour card process. 
• Salary as per employee designation should be paid, which can also be based on academic qualifications, following UAE labour laws.
• Employers must provide the person with the UAE labor card within 60 days of the employee arrival.
• Adherence to MoHRE procedure and avoidance of fines: Full compliance with all the guidelines to avoid penalties and legal consequences.

How can an employee apply for a UAE labour card?

Step-by-step process for candidates

1. Must secure a job offer: The employee must first receive a formal employment offer from a UAE employer. The formal letter must state the exact job description, salary, and terms of employment.
2. The employer applying for a work permit: After accepting the offer, the employer will apply for a UAE work permit through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). This is necessary for employees’ legal entry into the UAE job market and to meet UAE regulations.
3. Issuance of entry permit: Once the work permit is approved, employees outside the UAE receive an entry permit or UAE pass. This gives employees the right to travel to the UAE for employment.
4. Undergo medical examination: After arriving in the UAE, or if already in the country, employees must complete a mandatory medical examination to verify their fitness for work.
5. Applying for Emirates ID: Initiate the Emirates ID application process, a biometric registration process required of all UAE residents.
6. Residency visa application: The employer then processes the employee’s residency visa, allowing them to live and work legally in the UAE.
7. Completing the labor card application: The employer applies for the UAE labour card online through MoHRE with a finalized resident visa. This attests to their legal work status in the UAE.
8. Receiving the labour card online: After approval, it is issued digitally, and the employee can access it through the MoHRE website or app. (The MOHRE no longer issues physical UAE labour cards)

What documents are required to apply for labor card UAE?

To apply for a UAE labour card online, the following documents are typically required: 

1. A latest passport-sized photograph.
2. A photocopy of the passport bearing a valid entry visa granted by the employer's issuing authority in the nation.
3. Valid health certificate after medical exam.
4. Three photocopies of the employment contract or labour contract signed in English and Arabic.
5. A copy of a valid trade license issued to the Employer.
6. According to the job requirement, educational and professional certificates (such as technical or professional degree certificates).

How to check your UAE labour card online

You can check your UAE labour card online through multiple mediums. They must also keep their UAE pass handy.

MoHRE app: Download the app, log in with the UAE Pass, and navigate to the "labor card" section to view digital labour card details.

MoHRE website: To check your UAE labor card status, go to the "services" tab, click "work permit inquiry," and enter the required details like a passport or UAE labor card number.

Tas’heel service center: Visit Tas’heel service center to verify and obtain documents and receive assistance. 

How to download the UAE labor card

To download and print electronic work permit or digital labor card:  

1. Go to the MoHRE website and go to the "Services" section.
2. To print electronic work permit, go to New Enquiry Services.
3. Enter your identity information, such as your UAE labour card number.
4. Click "Print" to download and print a physical copy of your card if necessary. This will give you access to view the UAE work contract online.

Employees can quickly access their UAE labour card number for verification or record-keeping needs, which saves time. 

How to get a copy of UAE labour contract online?

You can download the MoHRE Smart App or visit the MoHRE website to view your UAE labour contract online. Enter the necessary information in the "Labour Contract Services" section after logging in with your Emirates ID or work permit number. To protect your rights, you can review and download your UAE labour contract online, ensuring you have written documentation of your job terms.

How long is a labor card valid for?

Standard validity: Labor cards in the UAE are valid for two years from the date of issuance.

Validity based upon legal employment contract: Its validity is based upon the duration of the UAE work contract.

Renewal responsibility: It is the mutual responsibility of the employee and employer to ensure timely renewal before the card expires.

What is the process for renewing a labor card?

Timeline for renewal

• To avoid delays, begin the renewal process 2-3 months before the card expires.
• Labour card online renewal applications are accepted up to 60 days before expiry by MoHRE.

Required documents

• Completed application form (available via MoHRE portal or Tas’heel centers).
• Recent passport-sized photo with a white background.
• A copy of a valid passport with at least six months’ validity is required.
• Copy of current UAE labour card for verification.
• Valid Emirates ID copy.
• Medical fitness test results, if required.
• Educational certificates/qualifications, if updated since the last renewal.
• A copy of the employer's trade license showing the company is registered and legitimate.

Steps for renewal

1. Employer application: The employer applies for the renewal through the MoHRE portal or at one of the Tas'heel service centers.
2. Document submission: Submit all required documents. 
3. Fee Payment: The employer pays the renewal fee according to the company's category.
4. Application processing: MoHRE will review and process the application using all the submitted documents.
5. Labor card issuance: Once approved, the renewed work permit is issued, primarily digitally, through the MoHRE app or website.

What is the fee to apply for a labor card?

A labor card's issuance and renewal charges depend on the employer's company category. For now, the UAE labor card fees are between AED 250 and AED 3,450.

While the labor cards for government employees are issued for three years, other employees receive valid cards for two years. If both the employee and employer agree, the card can be renewed for the same duration.

Does the employee need to bear the UAE labor card fees?

Under UAE labour law, the employer usually bears the issuance and card renewal costs. The employee should not bear the expenses for the work permit. However, the details must appear on the legal employment or UAE work contract online to ensure everything is clear.

Are there penalties for not renewing the labor card on time?

Failure to renew a UAE labour card within the due time will result in fines and other legal consequences:

• Fines for late renewal: Employers incur a penalty of AED 500 if they fail to apply for a new UAE labor card within 60 days from the employee's entry or renewal date.
• Further penalties for violations: Employees working without a valid UAE labor card may incur more fines and even face employment bans.
• Checking fines: MoHRE's website allows people to check fines by going to "Fine Calculator" and entering the UAE labour card number.

Employees and employers must initiate the renewal process well before the expiry date to avoid penalties.

How does the labour card protect the rights of employees?

The UAE labor card protects the rights of employees by ensuring compliance with employment laws and UAE regulations.

It allows access to essential work-related benefits, including accurate payroll processing, health insurance, and proper compensation for overtime, sick days, and annual leave. Employers are required to comply with labor laws, which include:

Working hours: A maximum of 48 hours per week and 8 hours daily.

Overtime pay: Most industries have a 2-hour-per-day overtime cap and must be compensated accordingly.

Safe working conditions: The employer shall ensure the availability of safety equipment and maintain a non-discriminatory work environment without religion, gender, or disability-based biases.

The labour card guarantees fair treatment and equal workplace practices, promoting a safe and compliant work environment.

What are the recent key UAE employment regulation updates?

Some recent changes include mandatory fixed-term contracts for all employees, 14 days' notice for termination in probation (30 days in case of joining another UAE company), and allowances to terminate fixed-term contracts on proper grounds.

Updates also address equal pay, working hours, and flexible working arrangements. Employers should comply with all these changes in their HR and payroll systems.

What is the process for canceling a labour card? 

Procedure to cancel a UAE labor card

• Initiation by employer: An employer must initiate the process by logging onto the MoHRE work permit online portal or Tas'heel centers.
• Employment contract closure: Before canceling the labour card, a mutual agreement between employer and employee to close the employment contract or labour contract is required.
• Final settlement: Employees should receive all the end-of-service benefits that are due to them, which include pending salaries, gratuities, and other entitlements.
• Cancellation of work permit: The employer applies to cancel the work permit as part of the process. 
• Return of labour card: An employee must submit the labour card to the employer.
• Residency visa cancellation: Once the labour card is canceled, the residency visa must also be canceled through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
• Exit from UAE or new sponsorship: Employees who wish to remain in the country must either leave the UAE or transfer to a new employer.

The whole process usually requires the employer to handle the administrative formalities and comply with the UAE labor laws and regulations.

What should I do if my labor card is lost or stolen? 

• Notify your employer immediately of the loss or theft of your labour card.
• Submit a report to the local police station, or MoHRE, based on the emirate's requirement.
• The employer will request the replacement of the employee’s work permit through the MoHRE portal.
• Submit the required documents, such as an application form specific to this process and a copy of the police report, if applicable.
• The business is required to pay a replacement fee to process the new labor card.
• The most recent information is available on the MoHRE app or website, and the replacement card will be provided upon approval.
• You must do all your tasks on time to avoid risking compliance or employee benefits. 

Wrapping up

The UAE labor card is a legal requirement and a gateway to safe employment and necessary employee benefits. The whole process might look paper-choked initially, but when understood and fulfilled, the compliance simplifies the journey.

Employers and employees must collectively maintain correct records and renewals to ensure smooth processes within the limits of labor laws. Both parties can easily and smoothly work in the UAE's booming workplace with awareness and proactivity.

FAQs

How long does it take to issue and process a UAE labour card?

The processing period after the employer applies varies but typically takes 1 to 5 working days. It may take longer if the paperwork is incorrect or needs to be verified again.

Can I check the status of my application process for a labor card? If so, how?

You can check your UAE labour card status using the MoHRE website or app. To verify the status, users can access the account using their login credentials, such as the labour card number or "work permit inquiry." They can also visit Tas'heel service centers for any labor card-related questions.

Does the labour card have a digital form?

Since the UAE no longer distributes physical labor cards, it uses a digital system to create electronic work permits.
Employees can view their digital labor cards using the MoHRE app, the UAE Pass app, or the MoHRE website. Using and accepting this electronic work permit as an official employment document is legal.

What online portals or apps can I use to check the status of my labor card?

To check your UAE labor card status, log in to the MoHRE website or app, the Dubai Now app (for Dubai-based employees), or via Tasheel inquiry services and Amer Services. You can use your passport, Emirates ID, or UAE Pass for access.

Can the labor card be used as an identification document?

Though a crucial employment document, the UAE labour card is not a primary identification tool. It mainly proves the legitimacy of an individual's employment status in the UAE.
To establish identity, the employee will have to depend on the Emirates ID, the recognized identification card for all residents in the UAE.

What information is included on the labor card?

Important information includes an employee's name, UAE labour card number, job title, employer's name, and the worker's work permit duration.
This data is crucial for accurate payroll systems, health insurance applications, and other employment-related documentation.

What should I do if my labor card has errors?

Contact your employer immediately to start corrections via the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

How do I update my labour card if there is a change in the job or a promotion?

Submit to your employer, who will handle the update process with MoHRE, and ensure that all the documents are updated.

Does processing payroll under the UAE's Wage Protection System (WPS) require a valid labor card?

For the UAE Wage Protection System (WPS) to complete payroll, workers must present a valid labor card.
As per UAE labor laws, the labor card ensures that wage payments align with the employee's contract information and act as evidence of lawful employment.

If my employer doesn't apply for my labour card, what should I do?

Employers are required to ensure workers have valid labor cards; thus, employees can report the problem to MoHRE.

What will happen to the labour card if I exit the UAE permanently?

The labour card is canceled as part of the visa cancellation process during your exit.

Do I need a new labor card if I return to the UAE to work with a different employer?

Yes, your new employer must apply for a fresh labour card tied to your new employment.

What happens when an employee resigns or even when his contract is canceled?

The employer should cancel the labour card as part of the employment termination.

Can the employer retain the labor card after an employee leaves the company?

The employer cannot retain the labour card; it must be canceled upon termination or resignation.

How does the UAE labor card number relate to unemployment insurance?

Foreign nationals seeking a new or renewed labor card must use their UAE labour card number to verify their enrollment in the Involuntary Loss of Employment (ILOE) insurance plan to be eligible for the Unemployment Insurance Scheme.

Are there any fines or penalties for invalid or expired labour cards?

Employers will be fined starting from AED 500 for each delayed renewal or invalid labour card number. Expired labor cards can have legal consequences for both employees and employers.

Which authority is in charge of issuing and managing labor cards?

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) is responsible for issuing and managing labor cards.

How can I report misuse or fraud with my labour card?

Submit a complaint with MoHRE via their website, mobile application, or hotline.

Are there any exemptions to the requirement for a labour card number?

Domestic workers, private sector employees, and employees of free zones companies are typically exempt, as they fall under different regulatory frameworks.