The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a popular destination for workers from around the world due to its tax-free income, strong economy, and high quality of life.
One important document for workers in the UAE is the UAE Labour Card. This card is essential for workers as it confirms their legal employment status and acts as a link between the government and workers.
In this blog, we will explain everything you need to know about the UAE Labour Card, including what it is, what it’s used for, and how to apply for or renew it.
Table of contents
What is a UAE Labour Card?
If you are working in the UAE, you will need a Labour Card. It’s like an ID that shows your job details.
The card is given by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) or other approved organizations.
It has important information about you, like your name, nationality, job, and who you work for.
Now, instead of getting a physical card, you’ll get a digital version. This means you won’t have a card in your pocket, but you can keep it on your phone or computer.
If you need a paper copy, you can print it yourself.
The Labour Card is important because it proves you’re allowed to work in the UAE, so make sure to take care of it and know how to use the digital version.
What is the Use of a Labour Card in the UAE?
The Labour Card is essential for all workers in the UAE, both foreign and local.
It ensures that employment practices follow the UAE’s laws and regulations, making sure that everything runs smoothly between employers and employees.
It also helps protect workers’ rights, acting as an official record for job-related matters.
Labour Card Eligibility
Everyone working in the UAE, whether in a government or private company, needs a Labour Card.
It’s important for both UAE citizens and foreigners. To get one, there are specific rules that must be followed.
The Labour Card is necessary for all workers to ensure that they meet the legal job standards and regulations.
So, if you’re working in the UAE, make sure you have your Labour Card.
1. Responsibilities for Employers:
- Stay organised: Employers need to keep track of current Labour Cards and make sure expired ones are removed from records.
- Follow the rules: Employers must follow the standards set by the Ministry to ensure fairness and legality in the workplace.
- Fair wages: Employers should pay employees according to the role and the expected salary for that job.
2. Responsibilities for Employees:
- Meet qualifications: Employees must have the right qualifications for the job they’re applying for.
- Age requirements: Employees should be between 18 and 60 years old.
- Health check: Employees must pass a medical exam and get a certificate from their home country confirming they are healthy.
How to Apply for a Labour Card in the UAE?
If you’re planning to start your career in the UAE, here’s how you can apply for a Labour Card.
Understanding the Basics
- Work permit: Before you can start working, you need a work permit. Usually, your employer applies for it on your behalf. The work permit is essential for legally starting your job in the UAE.
- Residency visa: Along with the work permit, you’ll also need a residency visa, which allows you to live and work in the UAE. Getting a residency visa is the first step in obtaining your work permit.
Labour Card Application Process
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the steps to apply for your Labour Card:
- Visa quota approval: Your employer must get approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), or if your company is in a free zone, permission from the relevant free zone authority.
- Contract letter: You need to have a job offer and a signed contract in both English and Arabic.
- Entry visa (Pink Visa): With the necessary approvals, you will be given an entry visa (known as a ‘pink visa’), allowing you to enter the UAE.
- Medical screening: Once you arrive in the UAE, you will need to undergo a medical screening as part of the process.
- Documentation: Submit the required documents and fill out the official application forms. You will also need to visit the Emirates ID service centre.
- Final steps: Once everything is approved, your passport and Emirates ID will be stamped with the work permit, officially recognising your employment in the UAE.
Document Checklist for Labour Card
To ensure your application goes smoothly, make sure you have the following documents ready:
- A recent photograph
- A copy of the company trade license
- A copy of your passport and entry visa
- A valid health certificate
- Three copies of your employment contract
- Academic credentials relevant to your job position (such as a university degree for professional jobs)
Labour Card Fees
- The fee depends on the employer’s company category, ranging from AED 250 to AED 3,450.
- Government employees’ labour cards are valid for three years, while others are valid for two years.
Who Pays the Fees?
- Under UAE law, employers bear the costs of issuing and renewing labour cards.
- These details must be included in your work contract.
Penalties for Late Renewal
- Employers face fines of AED 500 if they fail to renew a labour card within 60 days.
- Employees working without a valid card may face further penalties or work bans.
- You can check fines on the MoHRE website using the “Fine Calculator.”
How Labour Cards Protect Employees ?
The labour card ensures employees’ rights are protected under UAE laws. Key benefits include:
- Access to proper payroll, health insurance, and compensation for overtime or leave.
- Limits on working hours (48 hours per week, 8 hours per day).
- Safe and fair workplace conditions without discrimination.
Recent Updates to UAE Employment Laws
- Fixed-term contracts: Now mandatory for all employees.
- Probation period notice: Requires 14 days’ notice for termination (30 days if joining another UAE employer).
- Updates on equal pay, flexible hours, and other benefits must be reflected in HR systems.
How to Cancel a Labour Card ?
If your employment ends, the labour card must be cancelled.
- Initiation by employer: The employer starts the cancellation process through MoHRE or Tas’heel.
- Agreement: Both employer and employee must agree to close the employment contract.
- Final settlement: The employee receives all pending dues, including salary, gratuity, and other benefits.
- Permit cancellation: The employer cancels the work permit.
- Labour card return: The employee returns the labour card to the employer.
- Residency visa cancellation: The residency visa is canceled via the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
What Next?
- The employee can either exit the UAE or transfer to a new sponsor for continued work.
What should I do if my labor card is lost or stolen?
If your labor card is lost or stolen, follow these steps:
- Inform your employer right away about the loss or theft.
- Report the incident to the local police station or MoHRE, depending on the rules of your emirate.
- Your employer will apply for a replacement card through the MoHRE portal.
- Submit the necessary documents, such as a completed application form and a copy of the police report (if required).
- Your employer will pay the replacement fee to process your new labor card.
- Check the MoHRE app or website for the latest updates. Once approved, your new labor card will be issued.
Conclusion
The UAE labor card is an important legal document for safe and lawful employment. It also ensures employees can access important benefits like health insurance and fair wages.
While the process may seem complicated at first, understanding the steps and following the rules makes it much easier to manage.
Both employers and employees need to work together to keep records accurate and renew the labor card on time.
By staying informed and proactive, both parties can enjoy a smooth and hassle-free experience in the UAE’s thriving job market.
FAQs
It’s an official document proving you are legally employed in the UAE and eligible for employee benefits.
Everyone working in the UAE, including UAE citizens and foreign workers, must have a Labour Card.
Your employer usually handles the application. You’ll need documents like your passport, health certificate, and a job contract.
Inform your employer immediately, report to the police or MoHRE, and your employer will request a replacement.
Your employer is responsible for all costs related to issuing or renewing the Labour Card.
Government employees’ cards are valid for 3 years, while private-sector workers’ cards last for 2 years.
Employers face a fine of AED 500 for delays, and employees may face work bans or additional penalties.
No, working without a valid Labour Card is illegal and may result in penalties.
It ensures fair wages, safe work conditions, health benefits, and limits working hours.
Your employer will handle cancellation when your job ends. Both parties must agree, and your visa will also be cancelled.
