Employment Dispute Resolution in the UAE: How MOHRE and Labour Courts Protect Workplace Rights

????️ Introduction: Fairness in the Modern Workplace

In the UAE’s thriving and diverse economy, employees and employers work side by side across industries — from construction and retail to finance and technology.
With such diversity comes the occasional conflict: delayed salaries, unfair dismissal, contract breaches, or end-of-service disputes.

To preserve harmony and justice in the workplace, the UAE has established a clear and efficient mechanism for resolving employment disputes through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and the Labour Courts.

At Ahmad Abdulla Ahli Advocates and Legal Consultants, our employment-law team combines deep understanding of the UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021) with decades of courtroom experience to ensure that our clients — both employers and employees — are treated fairly under the law.

⚖️ 1️⃣ The Legal Framework: UAE Labour Law 2021

The UAE’s labour relations are governed primarily by:

Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations, and
Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 on its Executive Regulations.

These laws apply to all private-sector employees in the UAE (outside free zones with independent rules such as DIFC and ADGM) and set out the rights and obligations of both parties.

Key Principles of the Law

Protection against arbitrary dismissal.
Mandatory end-of-service benefits.
Equal pay and non-discrimination.
Paid annual leave and clear notice-period rules.
Right to safe and respectful working conditions.

???? 2️⃣ When an Employment Dispute Arises

Common causes of employment disputes include:

Unpaid or delayed salaries.
Termination without notice or compensation.
Unpaid end-of-service gratuity or leave entitlements.
Withholding of passports or personal documents.
Contract breaches or workplace harassment.

Once a dispute arises, the first step is always conciliation through MOHRE — a process designed to encourage settlement before litigation.

???? 3️⃣ Step One: Filing a Complaint with MOHRE

How to File

Employees or employers can file a complaint via:

MOHRE’s online portal: www.mohre.gov.ae
TASHEEL service centres
MOHRE helpline (800-60)

The complainant provides:

Emirates ID and labour contract
Salary slips or WPS statements
Termination letter or relevant evidence

MOHRE Conciliation Process

A labour officer contacts both parties to discuss the issue.
A conciliation meeting is scheduled within 14 days.
MOHRE attempts to mediate and reach a mutual settlement.
If resolved, a settlement agreement is signed and binding.
If unresolved, MOHRE issues a Referral Letter allowing the case to proceed to the Labour Court.

“MOHRE is not a court — it’s a bridge. Those who cross it with good faith often find resolution before conflict becomes litigation.”
— Mr. Ahmad Abdulla Ahli, Managing Director

⚖️ 4️⃣ Step Two: Labour Court Proceedings

If no settlement is reached, the case is transferred to the Labour Court (Court of First Instance) in the jurisdiction where the company operates.
The MOHRE referral letter acts as the official permission to proceed with a lawsuit.

Court Procedure

The claim is filed electronically with all evidence attached.
The court notifies the employer and sets a hearing date.
Both sides submit written memoranda through their lawyers.
The court reviews documents, witness statements, and WPS data.
A judgment is issued, which can then be appealed if necessary.

All proceedings are handled in Arabic — hence, professional legal representation and certified translation are essential.

???? 5️⃣ Types of Judgments and Remedies

Depending on the case, the Labour Court may order:

Payment of unpaid wages and benefits.
Compensation for arbitrary dismissal (up to 3 months’ salary).
Settlement of end-of-service gratuity and leave pay.
Issuance of experience certificates and release documents.
Return of personal property or copyright.

Once final, judgments are enforceable through the Execution Court, which may attach assets or freeze bank accounts to ensure compliance.

???? 6️⃣ Employer Rights and Defences

Employers also have legal remedies to protect against false or exaggerated claims.
Common defences include:

Documented performance warnings and termination notices.
Proof of resignation or contract expiry.
Evidence of salary payment through WPS records.
Compliance with notice periods and labour policies.

A properly maintained employee-record system is an employer’s best legal protection.

???? 7️⃣ Appeals and Enforcement

Both parties have the right to appeal within 15 days of judgment.
Appeals may be filed on grounds of legal misinterpretation or evidentiary error.
Once the decision is final, it moves to the Execution Department, where:

Bank accounts may be frozen.
Wages may be deducted.
Travel bans may be issued until payment is complete.

Legal follow-up during this stage is crucial to ensure smooth and timely enforcement.

???? 8️⃣ Key Government Entities Involved

Entity	Role
MOHRE	Mediation and initial complaint handling
Labour Court	Judicial authority for employment disputes
Execution Department	Enforces court judgments
Wage Protection System (WPS)	Verifies salary transfers
TASHEEL Centres	Public service centres for documentation

These institutions collectively ensure that both employer and employee rights are preserved under UAE law.

???? 9️⃣ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Failing to document verbal agreements.
Delaying complaint filing — time limits apply.
Relying on unsigned contracts or informal deals.
Speaking to MOHRE without legal guidance.
Ignoring MOHRE summons — may lead to fines or default judgment.

Proactive legal advice before any formal step can prevent escalation and unnecessary losses.

???? The Role of Ahmad Abdulla Ahli Advocates and Legal Consultants

With a team led by a former judge and supported by experienced labour lawyers,
Ahmad Abdulla Ahli Advocates and Legal Consultants provides complete legal support in employment disputes, including:

Drafting and reviewing employment contracts.
Representation before MOHRE and Labour Courts.
Advising on termination and redundancy procedures.
Mediation, settlement, and arbitration for complex disputes.
Handling appeals and enforcement of judgments.

“Our philosophy is simple: resolve when possible, defend when necessary, and always copyright the law.”
— Mr. Ahmad Abdulla Ahli

???? Conclusion: Justice in Employment, Confidence in the Law

The UAE’s labour dispute system reflects its core values — fairness, efficiency, and respect for all who contribute to its economy.
By understanding the process and seeking timely legal advice, both employees and employers can resolve disputes with clarity and dignity.

At Ahmad Abdulla Ahli Advocates and Legal Consultants, we ensure that every client — whether worker or company — receives representation rooted in professionalism, precision, and integrity.

???? Contact:
Ahmad Abdulla Ahli Advocates and Legal Consultants
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
???? [email protected] ???? www.ahli-law.com