When an issue arises at work, the first step is to contact the company and attempt to resolve it internally. However, if that fails, filing an official complaint with MOHRE may be necessary. The department investigates complaints, communicates with both parties and aims to settle.
There are a few ways to file a MOHRE complaint – via the call center, online portal, mobile app, or in-person at a Twa-four service center. These centers also provide legal advice and mediate discussions between employers and employees. The initial investigation will take up to 2 weeks.
File a Complaint with MOHRE
Eligibility for Filing a Complaint
As per UAE Labor Law, employees can file MOHRE complaints regarding:
- Unsafe or insecure work environment
- Denial of annual, sick, or public holiday leave
- Late or non-payment of wages/salaries
- Refusing maternity leave to pregnant employees
- Withholding employee passports
- Excessive work hours beyond labor law limits
- Not providing gratuity pay after the minimum service period
- Lack of a 30-day notice period before employment termination
- Requiring employees to pay their visa costs
These scenarios violate stipulated labor rights. Other grievances may also qualify as long as adequate supporting evidence is provided. MOHRE legally cannot address complaints without a basis.
How to File a Complaint
Here is a step-by-step overview of submitting a MOHRE complaint:
- Call the MOHRE hotline at 600 590000 (or +971-680-2-7666 internationally) to register an initial complaint. If unresolved, an official complaint will be initiated.
- Visit MOHRE website/app to fill out and submit an online complaint form detailing the issue and providing evidence.
- Visit nearest Twa-fouq center to submit a complaint in person and meet your legal advisor.
- Wait up to 72 hours for Twa-fouq center staff to contact you regarding case details.
- Communicate with legal advisors as they investigate, provide recommendations to MOHRE, and mediate discussions between involved parties seeking resolution.
- If unresolved within 2 weeks, the complaint gets forwarded to labor court, beginning legal proceedings.
Submitting the initial complaint is free. But labor court proceedings incur fees starting around AED 5000 depending on emirate. Still, employees should not hesitate to report genuine issues.
Twa-fouq Service Centres in Handling Complaints
Twa-fouq centers licensed by MOHRE receive, investigate, and mediate complaints before escalating unresolved cases to court. Their key roles include:
- Logging complaints and collecting evidence from employees.
- Provide legal consultation to complainants throughout the process.
- Contact employers regarding allegations and record their formal statements.
- Facilitating open communication and mediation between both parties seeking resolution.
- Filing court case memos after failed mediation including complaint details and recommendations.
- Appearing in court as needed to explain cases.
By formally involving employers early and fostering bilateral talks, Twa-fouq centers give opportunities for grievances to be settled confidentially without litigation. But they are still thoroughly gathering evidence to build court cases when no agreement is reached. This balances fairness for both parties.
Check Status of a Complaint
MOHRE allows employees to easily verify complaint status. There are three methods:
- Check online via MOHRE e-Services portal using your complaint number.
- Check via mobile app by logging a complaint number.
- Call MOHRE hotline at 600 590000 and provide a complaint number.
The system will display the latest status – whether under initial investigation by Twa-fouq center, transferred to court, resolved via mediation, or closed. Checking regularly allows complainants to track progress.
Available Options if Resolution is Not Reached
If a mutual agreement is not reached through MOHRE’s mediation avenues within 14 days, the unresolved complaint gets escalated to the labor court. Some options at this stage include:
- Attend court-mandated mediation sessions with employers to reattempt dispute resolution under court supervision.
- Hiring a labor dispute lawyer to represent your case in court for better legal support.
- Withdraw a complaint at any stage if an external agreement is reached before the final verdict.
- Accept court judgment and any associated penalties for the employer if the ruling is in the complainant’s favor.
Court cases should always be the last resort, but are sometimes unavoidable. MOHRE provides initial avenues focused on reaching a mutual settlement. If that fails, formal legal procedures get triggered via the court system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the fee for submitting a MOHRE complaint?
It is free to file a MOHRE complaint directly through available channels. Fees only apply if the complaint advances to formal court proceedings after failed mediation. Court fees start around AED 5000 but vary across emirates.
What is the MOHRE complaint contact number?
The MOHRE call center can be reached at:
- 600 590000 (toll-free inside UAE)
- +971-680-2-7666 (paid international line)
Lines operate 24/7 to address urgent inquiries and complaint registration needs.
How long does it take to resolve MOHRE complaints?
MOHRE aims to resolve or advance complaints within 14 days. Simple complaints may take less time. Complex complaints involving investigations and communication with both parties can fully utilize the 14-day window.
If unresolved by then, the complaint enters litigation with longer timelines subject to court procedures and both parties’ responsiveness.
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