Filing a labour complaint in Dubai is the first step toward asserting your legal rights when you’re dealing with issues like unpaid wages, wrongful termination, harassment, or contract violations. Thanks to clear labour regulations and well-defined procedures, employees have multiple avenues to seek justice. However, filing your complaint properly and with the right evidence makes a big difference in how quickly and successfully the matter is resolved.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of filing a complaint, what documents to prepare, timelines to expect, and how professional labour lawyers in Dubai can assist you at each stage to strengthen your case. Whether you’re facing unfair treatment or a contract breach, expert Dubai lawyers ensure your complaint is filed legally, efficiently, and with the highest chance of resolution.
1. When Should You File a Labour Complaint?
You should file a complaint when your employer:
- Fails to pay salaries or end-of-service benefits
- Terminates your contract unlawfully
- Pressures you into resignation
- Withholds your passport or refuses visa cancellation
- Denies lawful leave or overtime compensation
- Harasses or discriminates against you
- Refuses to issue final settlement or air ticket
- Ignores contract terms or alters them without consent
In all such cases, UAE law protects the employee. Skilled labour lawyers in Dubai help categorize your complaint, verify its legality, and build a solid legal narrative before filing it with authorities.
2. Step One: Attempt Internal Resolution
Before approaching MOHRE or filing a formal complaint, you should first try to resolve the matter internally. This includes:
- Speaking to your HR department or manager
- Sending formal emails requesting resolution
- Logging complaints through the company portal (if available)
This step shows you acted in good faith, which strengthens your case later. Dubai lawyers often advise their clients to document all communication attempts to show the court or MOHRE that escalation was a last resort.
3. Step Two: Gather Evidence and Documents
Before filing the complaint, collect all relevant documents. The stronger your evidence, the better your chances of a quick resolution.
Typical documents required:
- Signed employment contract
- Salary slips or bank transfers (proving unpaid wages or deductions)
- Termination or resignation letters
- Communications with HR or employer (emails, WhatsApp messages, etc.)
- Emirates ID, passport copy, and visa page
- End-of-service calculations or settlement offers
- Warning letters (if any)
Labour lawyers in Dubai organize these documents, translate them (if needed), and prepare them in the format accepted by the Ministry or the Labour Court.
4. Step Three: File a Complaint with MOHRE
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) is the official authority handling labour complaints for private-sector employees working in non-free zone areas.
You can file your complaint:
- By visiting the MOHRE Service Center
- Through the MOHRE call center at 80060
- Using the MOHRE smart app or online portal
If you’re unsure about the process, experienced labour lawyers in Dubai can file the complaint on your behalf, ensuring accuracy and legal compliance.
5. MOHRE Mediation Process
Once the complaint is filed:
- A MOHRE mediator will contact both parties.
- A meeting is scheduled within a few days.
- Both sides present their case and supporting documents.
- The mediator attempts to resolve the issue amicably.
If a settlement is reached, it is recorded and enforced as a legal agreement.
If no agreement is reached, MOHRE will issue a referral letter that allows the employee to escalate the matter to the Labour Court.
Dubai lawyers attend the mediation session with their clients, present the case professionally, and attempt to secure a favorable settlement without litigation.
6. What If My Employer Refuses to Attend?
If the employer fails to attend the mediation session or refuses to respond, MOHRE proceeds to issue a referral letter to Labour Court. This doesn’t weaken your case—in fact, non-cooperation by the employer often strengthens the employee’s position in court.
Labour lawyers in Dubai are well-versed in handling absent or non-cooperative employers and ensure your claim progresses without delay.
7. Free Zone Employees – Where to File?
If you are employed in a free zone (like Dubai International Financial Centre or Jebel Ali Free Zone), you may need to file your complaint with the respective free zone authority, not MOHRE.
Each free zone has its own dispute resolution department.
That said, the underlying legal procedures remain similar. Dubai lawyers with free zone experience will know the correct authority to approach and the documents required for that specific jurisdiction.
8. Step Four: Filing a Case in Labour Court
If MOHRE mediation fails, your lawyer will help you:
- File a formal labour lawsuit using the referral letter
- Translate documents into Arabic
- Submit your case at the Labour Court (online or at the Dubai Courts complex)
Labour Court hearings usually start within 2–4 weeks. Cases can be resolved in 2–6 months depending on complexity.
Labour lawyers in Dubai draft legal memorandums, present oral arguments, and attend all hearings on your behalf. You are rarely required to speak unless needed as a witness.
9. Settlement Options During the Case
Even if the case is ongoing, the parties can still agree to settle at any point. Many disputes are resolved during or before the second hearing.
Dubai lawyers often negotiate favorable settlements during litigation, especially if your evidence is strong. Settlement agreements are then recorded and enforced by the court.
10. What Remedies Can I Claim?
Once your complaint is filed, you may be eligible for:
- Unpaid salary
- End-of-service gratuity
- Compensation for unlawful termination
- Unused leave compensation
- Reimbursement of repatriation costs
- Moral damages (in rare cases)
Your lawyer will calculate the compensation amount based on UAE Labour Law, court precedents, and your contract terms.
Labour lawyers in Dubai also advise on realistic expectations to avoid overclaiming and facing unnecessary delays.
11. Timelines to Expect
- Filing complaint at MOHRE: 1–3 days
- MOHRE mediation: 7–14 days
- Court referral and filing: 1–5 days
- First court hearing: 2–4 weeks
- Final judgment (if no appeal): 2–6 months
- Enforcement of judgment: 1–4 weeks
Your lawyer will aim to expedite the process by ensuring timely submissions, avoiding adjournments, and presenting all necessary documents upfront.
12. Can I File a Complaint While Still Employed?
Yes. You do not have to resign to file a labour complaint. UAE law allows employees to report legal violations even while still employed—whether it’s unpaid salary, harassment, or breach of contract.
Dubai lawyers ensure your employer cannot retaliate for filing a complaint. If they do, it can be added to the complaint as retaliation or arbitrary dismissal.
13. What If I Already Left the UAE?
Even if you’ve returned to your home country, you can still file a labour complaint in Dubai. You can grant a labour lawyer in Dubai a power of attorney to act on your behalf and pursue your unpaid dues or end-of-service benefits.
Your lawyer can:
- File the case
- Attend hearings
- Negotiate a settlement
- Enforce the court judgment
- Transfer the funds to your bank account
14. Can I File a Complaint Anonymously?
No. Labour complaints must be filed under the employee’s name with Emirates ID and passport details. Anonymous complaints are not accepted for legal processing, although hotline tips can be used to report unethical practices.
That said, labour lawyers in Dubai handle all client details confidentially and ensure you are protected throughout the process.
Final Thoughts
Filing a labour complaint in Dubai isn’t just a right—it’s a legally protected process designed to ensure fairness in the workplace. Whether you’re facing financial exploitation, workplace injustice, or harassment, don’t hesitate to take action.
By consulting with experienced labour lawyers in Dubai, you ensure your complaint is filed accurately, with proper documentation, and in full compliance with UAE law. These professionals can turn your concerns into clear, lawful demands—and help secure the justice you deserve.
