If you're trying to reach the UAE labour authority — whether you haven't been paid, your employer is holding your passport, or you just need to check a visa status — there's one number that matters. This guide gives you the labour contact number toll-free, when to use it, and what to have ready before you dial.
Quick answer
The UAE labour contact number toll-free is 600 590000. That's the official line for MOHRE (the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation), which handles all private-sector labour matters in the UAE except for free-zone employees of DIFC and ADGM. The line is open 24/7 for complaints, inquiries about work permits, wage protection issues, and end-of-service questions. For labour cases in Dubai specifically, you can also walk into any Tasheel centre. Calls from inside the UAE are free; standard international rates apply if you call from abroad. [1][2]
When to use the MOHRE hotline
Call 600 590000 if any of this applies to you:
- Your salary is late or missing under the Wage Protection System (WPS — the central payroll tracking tool MOHRE uses to flag non-payment).
- Your employer has cancelled or refused to renew your work permit.
- You've been asked to pay for your own visa, Emirates ID, or medical — all of which are the employer's cost under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on labour relations, Article 13.
- You want to file a labour complaint before it escalates to court.
- You need to check the status of a complaint already filed.
The hotline also handles domestic workers' complaints under Federal Law No. 10 of 2017. If you're a maid, driver, or nanny employed through a Tadbeer centre, the same number works.
Honestly, most people get further by WhatsApping MOHRE on 600 590000 than by sitting on hold. The ministry runs a chat service on that number through its app and website too. [1]
What's not covered by this number
This is where people slip up. MOHRE doesn't cover everyone.
If you work in DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre), your employment is governed by DIFC Employment Law No. 2 of 2019, and complaints go to the DIFC Courts' Small Claims Tribunal — not MOHRE. If you work in ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market), it's ADGM Employment Regulations 2024 and the ADGM Courts.
Federal government employees fall under the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR), not MOHRE. Different number, different process.
For visa and residency questions that aren't tied to a work permit — overstay fines, tourist visas, golden visa applications — you want the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) on 600 522222, or in Dubai, GDRFA on 8005111. [3][4]
Other useful numbers while you're at it
| Service | Number | |---|---| | MOHRE (labour contact number toll-free) | 600 590000 | | ICP (visas, Emirates ID — federal) | 600 522222 | | GDRFA Dubai (residency, visas) | 8005111 | | Dubai Police non-emergency | 901 | | Police / ambulance emergency | 999 | | Dubai Courts helpdesk | 800 4777 | | TDRA consumer complaints | 800 1223 |
Keep MOHRE's number saved. You'll use it more than you'd think.
What to have ready before you call
The call goes faster if you have:
- Your Emirates ID number (15 digits, on the back of the card).
- Your work permit number or labour card number.
- Your employer's trade licence number if you have it.
- Dates — when the problem started, when you last got paid, when you raised it internally.
- Any evidence you've already gathered: payslips, WhatsApp messages, the signed employment contract.
MOHRE's intake officer will log a case reference. Write it down. You'll need it for every follow-up and, if the matter ends up in court, the judge will want to see the complaint number from the ministry.
A complaint filed on the hotline typically moves to mediation within 14 days. Under Article 54 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, if mediation fails and the claim is under AED 50,000, MOHRE itself can issue a binding decision — a change from the old system where everything had to go to court. [5]
If the dispute is above AED 50,000, or either side rejects the ministry's decision, you get a referral letter to file at the labour court within 14 days. Miss that deadline and the referral expires.
Need this checked for your situation? Talk to a UAE-licensed lawyer →
---
Citations
- [1] MOHRE — Contact Us, Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, mohre.gov.ae ⚠
- [2] MOHRE — Filing a Labour Complaint, mohre.gov.ae/en/services ⚠
- [3] ICP — Customer Happiness, icp.gov.ae ⚠
- [4] GDRFA Dubai — Contact, gdrfad.gov.ae ⚠
- [5] Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations, Article 54, as amended by Federal Decree-Law No. 20 of 2023 official text ↗ ✓
Try the related calculator
More questions readers asked
Sub-questions our research cluster pulls together — each links to its full Tier-B/C answer.
+−UAE Labour Law: Notice Period for Contract Termination?
Standard notice is 30–90 days written notice (must be set in contract). The other party can pay in lieu. Probation termination requires 14 days.
+−Can I be terminated during my probation period in the UAE?
Yes. Employer must give 14 days written notice. No gratuity if under 1 year. Discriminatory or retaliatory dismissal can still be challenged at MOHRE.
+−Are non-compete clauses enforceable in the UAE?
Non-compete clauses are enforceable in UAE if reasonable in geography, duration (max 2 years), and activity scope. They must protect legitimate business in
This is general legal information, not legal advice. For advice tailored to your specific situation, consult a UAE-licensed lawyer.
Did this answer your question?