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Employees will get many opportunities while working in UAE, but it also involves a few important legal steps. One of the most essential documents every employee should have is the Labour Card in UAE. It is extremely important for the new expat entering the country for work and the employers planning to hire staff.
The UAE government makes sure that all employees working in the private sector are registered under the MOHRE. This registration is done by the labor card, and it serves as your legal identity as an employee. In simple words, the labor card helps to protect the rights of employees, confirm employment, and allows you to work legally in the UAE.
In this complete guide, we will explain everything about the UAE Labor, including its purpose, application process, renewal steps, and we can help you with fast and smooth processing.
A Labour card is also called a work permit. It is an official document that allows employees to work legally in the UAE. It is mandatory for all private sector employees who are working in mainland companies. The Labor Card contains important information, such as:
A labor card helps employees to be fully registered under the UAE labor system. It helps to protect the rights of both employees and employers.
Many new workers underestimate the importance of the UAE labor card, but it also plays an important role in legal employment. Here is why it matters:
The labor card officially confirms that you are allowed to work in the UAE. You will be considered an illegal worker without a labor card.
By registering with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, you are also afforded the protection of the UAE Labour Law. This includes your right to receive a salary, your working hours, your right to leave, and your end-of-service benefits.
If you do not have a Labour Card, you may be subject to heavy fines, deportation, and or being banned from employment in the UAE. In addition, your employer can be subject to substantial penalties.
Your labor card works like an official employment ID for the government and the company records.
A labor card is mandatory for the following:
The employees who are working in the UAE Free Zone do not get an MOHRE labor card. The free zone authorities issue a separate employee ID card. Even though the system is different, the purpose remains the same in the legal work authorization.
The validity of the UAE labor card depends on your employment type:
To apply for the labor card, both of the employee and the employer should submit some important documents. These details provide transparency and verification.
When you accept a job offer, the company applies for an entry permit so you can enter the UAE legally for employment.
After arriving in the UAE, you have to take the medical test. Passing this test is mandatory to move to the necessary to move to the next steps.
The employer uploads the contract to the MOHRE system. You will receive it for approval and signature.
After the contract is approved, the employer proceeds with the labor card application through:
When MOHRE approves the application, the labor card is issued digitally. You can view the labor card details online anytime. This entire process usually takes 5-10 working days. The time also depends on the document accuracy and MOHRE approvals.
Checking your labor card status is very easy; you can check it through:
You can use your:
Your labor card should be renewed before the expiry date. The renewal makes sure that your employment continues legally. The documents you need for renewal:
If you resign, change jobs, or your contract ends, you have to cancel your labor card. The cancellation process includes:
The UAE takes labor laws very seriously. The violations related to the labor cars can attract high fines. The common violations include:
The range of the fine can be AED 500* to AED 50,000*, and it also depends on the severity. That is why timely application and renewal are extremely important.
Managing a business setup and employee documentation can be confusing if you are a new business owner or entrepreneur. This is where a Flyingcolour Business Setup can help you in the following:
We have years of experience and deep knowledge about the UAE immigration and labor processes. We can help you get quick approvals and paperwork. You can focus on your business, while we can handle the legal procedures easily.
A labor card in the UAE is one of the most important requirements for anyone who is planning to work in the country. It helps the employee to be legally registered, protected under the law, and permitted to work safely. If you are joining a new company, renewing your documents, or switching jobs, then you have to understand the labor card process to avoid delays and penalties.
If you need any help with the labor cards, visas, work permits, or business setup, Flyingcolour® is always ready to help you with professional services.
The employee does not apply for a labor card. Your employer will handle the entire application after your employment contract is approved.
You will get your labor card in 5 to 10 working days. The time also depends on the document verification and employer processing.
You need a passport copy, photos, signed contracts, an Emirates ID application, a residence visa page, and medical test results to apply labor card.
Most of the labor cards are valid for 2 years. Free zone cards depend on the authority.
No, your labor card is linked to one employer. You cannot work for any other company if you apply for a labor transfer or work permit change. Working without a labor card is illegal, and it can result in fines, bands, and deportation.
You can check your labor card on the official website and mobile app of MOHRE. You can enter your passport number, personal details, or Emirates ID to track approvals, validity dates, and card details.
Labor card fees depend on your company category, industry, and compliance rate. The cost is usually between AED 250* to AED 1200* for the new applications and the renewals.
If your labor card expires, your employer has to renew it within the allowed timeline. An expired card can lead to fines for the employer and legal issues for the employee.
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