UAE Labour Card Complete Guide to Labour Card Application & Services
Simplify Employment Verification & Legal Compliance in the UAE. The UAE Labour Card is a crucial document that officially identifies an employee under the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Whether you are an employer, HR manager, or expatriate worker, understanding how to obtain, renew, or verify your Labour Card is essential for smooth employment operations and compliance with UAE labour regulations. This guide covers everything you need to know about the UAE Labour Card from application procedures to checking your Labour Card Number, renewal steps, and key benefits.
Service Types:
New Labour Card Application
Issued to newly hired employees. Once a work visa is approved, the employer must apply for the Labour Card within 60 days of the employee’s entry into the UAE.
Labour Card Renewal
When the Labour Card’s validity nears expiry (typically after 2 years), the employer must renew it before the deadline to maintain legal employment status.
Labour Card Cancellation
If an employee resigns, changes jobs, or leaves the country, the existing Labour Card must be officially cancelled. This ensures that the individual’s work authorization is cleared from the system.
What Is a UAE Labour Card?
A UAE Labour Card, also known as a Work Permit, is an official identification card issued by the Ministry of Labour (MOHRE). It serves as proof that the holder is legally employed in the UAE. Every employee working under a UAE company visa must have a registered Labour Card. The card includes essential details such as: Employee’s name and nationality, Labour Card number, Employer’s name and company details, Occupation and designation, Work permit validity date. This card acts as the link between the worker, employer, and the government, ensuring employment rights and legal compliance.
Importance of the Labour Card in the UAE
Possessing a valid Labour Card UAE is not just a formality it’s a legal requirement. It ensures that all employment relationships are registered and recognized by UAE authorities. Key Reasons Why It’s Important:
- Proof of Legal Employment: Confirms that the individual is employed under a registered UAE company.
- Government Compliance: Ensures adherence to UAE labour laws and regulations.
- Access to Benefits: Required for salary transfers, health insurance, and visa renewals.
- Employment Protection: Helps resolve disputes regarding wages, job roles, or work conditions.
- Official Identification: Used during inspections or official processes with government entities.
Without a valid Labour Card, employees risk fines or employment suspension, and employers face legal penalties.
Labour Card Services New, Renewal, and Cancellation
The UAE Labour Card system offers three major service types under the Ministry of Labour framework.
Key Benefits of Holding a Labour Card
Holding a registered Labour Card provides numerous advantages for both employees and employers:
- Official Authorization: Legally allows employees to work in the UAE.
- Ease of Verification: Labour Card number helps verify employment details via the MOHRE system.
- Legal Security: Protects against unlawful termination or unpaid salary disputes.
- Access to Public Services: Enables smooth processing of government-related applications like Emirates ID, health card, and visa renewals.
- Efficient HR Processes: Employers can easily manage staff compliance and labour-related services.
The card simplifies every stage of an employee’s work lifecycle from onboarding to termination.
Required Documents for Labour Card Application
To apply for a new or renewed UAE Labour Card, the following documents are typically required:
- 1. Completed Labour Card Application Form – Signed and stamped by the employer.
- 2. Copy of Employment Contract – Approved by the Ministry of Labour.
- 3. Employee Passport Copy – With valid residence visa page.
- 4. Emirates ID Copy – For identification and verification.
- 5. Company Trade License – Current and valid commercial license.
- 6. Passport-Sized Photos – Recent, with a white background.
- 7. Educational Certificates (if applicable) – For professional or skilled positions.
Providing accurate and valid documents ensures a smooth approval process.
Step-by-Step Process for Getting a Labour Card in the UAE
The UAE Labour Card application involves several steps that ensure both the employee and employer meet all legal requirements.
- Step 1: Employment Contract Approval Before applying for a Labour Card, the employment contract must be approved and registered with the Ministry of Labour.
- Step 2: Medical Fitness Test The employee must undergo and pass a government-approved medical examination to prove fitness for work.
- Step 3: Document Submission All required documents are submitted online through the MOHRE portal or authorized centres like Tasheel.
- Step 4: Verification & Processing The Ministry verifies the details and processes the application. This step ensures the legitimacy of employment and documentation.
- Step 5: Labour Card Issuance Once approved, the UAE Labour Card is issued digitally. Employers and employees can download it from the MOHRE app or official website.
Processing Time: Typically, it takes 2–5 business days to issue a Labour Card, depending on documentation accuracy and system load.
Understanding Your Labour Card Number
The Labour Card Number is a unique identification code assigned to every registered worker. It’s essential for all Ministry of Labour enquiries, salary transfers, and employment verification. You can find your Labour Card Number: On the physical or digital copy of your Labour Card, Through the MOHRE mobile app, Via official Labour Card enquiry on the MOHRE website. Employers can also access this number through their company’s online MOHRE account.
How to Check Labour Card Status Online
The UAE government provides multiple platforms to check the validity or status of your Labour Card. Option 1: MOHRE Website
- 1. Visit the official MOHRE website.
- 2. Select “Employee Services” or “Labour Card Enquiry.”
- 3. Enter your Labour Card Number, passport number, or Emirates ID.
- 4. View card details, validity period, and employer information.
Option 2: MOHRE Mobile App
- Download the MOHRE app from Google Play or App Store and use your credentials to access Labour Card details instantly.
Option 3: Tasheel Service Centres
- For offline assistance, visit any authorized Tasheel centre with your ID or passport to check the status directly.
These options make it simple to verify employment status anytime, anywhere.
Common Issues & Solutions
Issue Possible Cause Suggested Solution
- Labour Card not showing online Delay in system update Wait 24–48 hours or contact MOHRE
- Incorrect details on card Typing or data entry error Request correction via employer or Tasheel
- Card expired Missed renewal deadline File renewal application immediately
- Lost or misplaced card Physical card not required (digital available) Access digital version via MOHRE app
Maintaining updated records ensures smooth HR and legal operations.
Final Thoughts
The UAE Labour Card stands as a cornerstone of lawful employment in the United Arab Emirates. It not only legitimizes an employee’s status but also ensures complete transparency between the employer, worker, and government authorities. From Labour Card number tracking to renewal and cancellation, every process is streamlined through the Ministry of Labour (MOHRE) systems. Employers must stay proactive about timely filing and renewals, while employees should regularly verify their card details for accuracy. Whether you’re applying for a new Labour Card, checking your status, or handling renewals, always rely on authorized service centres or official MOHRE platforms to ensure compliance and accuracy. Stay compliant. Stay secure. Let your UAE Labour Card be your gateway to a legally recognized and rewarding career in the Emirates.
