UAE Labour Card 2025 Complete Guide Requirements Status and Application
The UAE labour card is one of the most important legal documents for employees working in the United Arab Emirates. Every worker under a valid employment contract must hold an official labour card issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. The labour card confirms that the employee is legally permitted to work in the UAE and that the employer is licensed to hire staff under UAE labour laws. Understanding the labour card system is essential for employees business owners HR professionals and new job seekers planning to work in the UAE.
This human friendly easy guide explains what the labour card is why it is important the application process documents required how to check labour card status how long it takes to receive and common problems that employees face. Labour rules continue to update in two thousand twenty five and staying informed protects legal rights salary protection and job security.
What Is a UAE Labour Card
The labour card also known as the work permit is an official employment card issued to every worker in the UAE. It contains key employee information such as name job title nationality personal number work permit number and company details. The labour card identifies that a person is registered with MOHRE and permitted to work legally.
The labour card is linked to the residency visa Emirates ID employment contract and wage protection system. Workers must always ensure their labour card is active valid and updated during employment.
Importance of the Labour Card
The labour card protects employee rights under UAE labour laws. Without an official work card the employee is not legally protected and may face penalties. It allows companies to hire legally avoid fines and maintain compliance with all labour regulations.
The labour card also allows access to government services such as visa renewals labour complaints absconding protection wage disputes medical insurance and salary transfers. Employers must apply for labour cards within a specific time after issuing the employment contract.
Who Issues the Labour Card
The labour card is issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation also known as MOHRE. For employees in free zones the labour card or work permit is issued by their respective free zone authorities.
Who Needs a Labour Card
All employees working in private companies under a work visa need a labour card. This includes skilled and unskilled workers full time workers part time workers limited contract workers and unlimited contract workers. Domestic workers follow a different process under Tadbeer.
Details Included on Labour Card
- Employee full name
- Profession job title
- Nationality
- Personal number
- Work permit number
- Company name and number
- Labour card expiry date
These details must match information on the Emirates ID and residency visa.
Labour Card Validity
The labour card is issued for two years for private sector employees. It must be renewed before expiration. If the labour card is not renewed penalties apply and the employee may face legal problems.
Labour Card Processing Time
Labour card approval usually takes a few days after contract approval and residency visa stamping. Processing time depends on medical test completion Emirates ID biometric and company status.
Labour Card Cost
The labour card cost depends on company category skilled level employment contract type and profession. The employer is responsible for labour card charges medical test Emirates ID and visa fees. Employees are not required to pay labour card fees.
How to Apply for a Labour Card in the UAE
The employer applies for the labour card through MOHRE e services smart applications or Tasheel centers. The process begins after signing an employment contract medical fitness clearance and visa entry.
- Steps include
- Submit job offer
- Employee sign acceptance
- Apply work permit approval
- Medical fitness test
- Residency visa stamping
- Issue labour card through MOHRE system
- Issue Emirates ID
Once issued employees can check their labour card status online.
Documents Required for Labour Card Application
- Copy of passport
- Passport size photograph
- Entry permit
- Attested educational certificates if required
- Employment contract
- Medical test result
- Emirates ID application form
All documents must be accurate to avoid rejection.
How to Check Labour Card Status Online
Workers can check labour card status using several methods through MOHRE online platforms without visiting offices.
Using MOHRE mobile app
- Open the app
- Log in using UAE Pass
- Go to services then personal information
- View work permit and contract details
Through MOHRE website
- Visit MOHRE official website
- Go to labour services
- Enter passport number or person code
- View labour card status contract and employer data
Through UAE Pass
- Sign in and check connected services
- Through MOHRE call center
- Contact MOHRE helpline and provide passport number or personal code
How to Download Labour Card
Workers can download the labour card digitally from MOHRE app in PDF format. Physical cards are not issued anymore as the Emirates ID contains work permit data. Digital work card is accepted whenever verification is required.
Updating Labour Card Information
If employee transfers to a new company changes job role or personal information updates the labour card must be updated. Incorrect information can lead to penalties and employment delays.
Labour Card Renewal
The labour card is renewed with the employment contract renewal. Employers must renew before the expiry date. If the labour card expires and is not renewed on time fines may apply. Renewal requires valid passport Emirates ID medical test result and residency visa.
Labour Card Cancellation
The labour card must be cancelled when the employee finishes work resigns or changes employer. The employer submits cancellation request through MOHRE. Labour card cancellation is required before visa cancellation.
Labour Card Fine
If the labour card is not issued or renewed within the allowed period penalties apply. Fines increase based on the delay. Employers are responsible for fines caused by delays.
How Labour Card Connects with WPS Salary System
All companies must register employees in the Wage Protection System to release salaries through banks exchange houses or financial services. Labour card personal number is used to track salary protection.
Labour Rights Protection Through Labour Card
The labour card protects salary benefits safety working hours insurance and dispute management. If an employee faces unpaid salary or labour issues MOHRE uses the labour card to verify company records and resolve complaints.
Labour Card for Free Zone Employees
Free zone employees do not receive the same labour card issued by MOHRE but they receive a work permit from free zone authority. The process rules and validity vary by free zone.
Labour Card for Part Time Jobs
The UAE allows part time labour cards authorizing employees to work with more than one employer. A separate part time permit must be issued by the employer.
Labour Card for Minors and Students
Minors aged fifteen to eighteen can receive a temporary labour card under special conditions. Students can work with training permits.
Labour Contract vs Labour Card
Labour contract is the agreement between employer and employee describing salary terms job role and legal responsibilities. Labour card is the legal work permit confirming employee is authorized to work. Both must be consistent.
Common Problems Employees Face with Labour Card
- Wrong profession mentioned
- Delayed issue or renewal
- Mismatch between visa and labour card
- Salary payment blocked in WPS
- Employer not updating records
- Difficulty checking status with wrong details
Proper documentation solves most problems quickly.
How Employees Can Protect Their Labour Rights
- Always sign contract only after reading
- Store digital copy of labour contract
- Check labour card information regularly
- Use MOHRE services for protection
- Report issues through official channels
Importance of Labour Card for Employees from Pakistan
Many professionals and skilled workers from Pakistan work in UAE and rely on labour card for legal employment security salary protection and safe working environment. Understanding labour procedures helps avoid misunderstandings and prevents legal issues.
How Flyingcolour Business Setup Pakistan Can Help
Flyingcolour® Business Setup Pakistan assists businesses entrepreneurs and employers with labour card processes employee visa services MOHRE registration work permit application company setup HR support and documentation. The team ensures compliance smooth approval and correct processing for employees and employers working in UAE. Professional service helps avoid fines rejection and delays while supporting employee welfare and legal transparency.
Conclusion
The labour card is a vital document for every employee working legally in the United Arab Emirates. It confirms employment rights protects workers supports salary safety and ensures transparency between employee and employer. Understanding labour card rules application process and status checking helps workers manage their employment confidently. With proper guidance compliance becomes simple and stress free. Flyingcolour Business Setup Pakistan supports employers and teams with complete labour documentation and processing so businesses can operate smoothly and employees work confidently with full protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is UAE labour card?
It is the official work permit issued to employees working legally in the UAE.
How do I check my labour card status?
You can check through MOHRE app website or call center using passport number or personal code.
Who pays for labour card cost?
The employer pays all labour and visa expenses.
How long is labour card valid?
Labour card is usually valid for two years.
What happens if labour card expires?
Employer must renew before expiry or fines apply.
Can I download labour card online?
Yes labour card is available digitally through MOHRE app.