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.
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.
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.
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.
To apply for a UAE labour card online, the following documents are typically required:
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.
To download and print electronic work permit or digital labor card:
Employees can quickly access their UAE labour card number for verification or record-keeping needs, which saves time.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Failure to renew a UAE labour card within the due time will result in fines and other legal consequences:
Employees and employers must initiate the renewal process well before the expiry date to avoid penalties.
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.
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.
Procedure to cancel a UAE labor card
The whole process usually requires the employer to handle the administrative formalities and comply with the UAE labor laws and regulations.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Contact your employer immediately to start corrections via the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
Submit to your employer, who will handle the update process with MoHRE, and ensure that all the documents are updated.
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.
Employers are required to ensure workers have valid labor cards; thus, employees can report the problem to MoHRE.
The labour card is canceled as part of the visa cancellation process during your exit.
Yes, your new employer must apply for a fresh labour card tied to your new employment.
The employer should cancel the labour card as part of the employment termination.
The employer cannot retain the labour card; it must be canceled upon termination or resignation.
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.
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.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) is responsible for issuing and managing labor cards.
Submit a complaint with MoHRE via their website, mobile application, or hotline.
Domestic workers, private sector employees, and employees of free zones companies are typically exempt, as they fall under different regulatory frameworks.