Labour Card UAE - A Complete Guide

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the purpose, eligibility, application process, and key information regarding the Labour Card UAE, helping you navigate the system with ease.

What is the UAE Labour Card?

A Labour Card, commonly referred to as a work permit, is a mandatory document for all individuals employed in the UAE. It serves as official proof that you are authorised to work in the country. Whether you're a foreign worker or a UAE national, holding this card is a legal requirement.

Key Information Present on the Labour Card:

• Labour Card Number
• Employee's Name
• Employee's Nationality
• Employee's Occupation
• Personal Identification Number
• Employer's Name
• Expiry Date
• Work Permit Number

What’s New in the UAE Employment Laws?

As of early 2023, the UAE introduced several important updates to its labour law framework. These changes affect how employers manage their workforce and how employment contracts are structured.

1. Fixed-Term Contracts for All Employees

• All employees—whether new or existing—must now be on fixed-term contracts
• These contracts can be renewed but must clearly define start and end dates
• Unlimited-term contracts are no longer valid, and companies were given a deadline to convert existing ones to fixed-term

2. New Probation Period Rules

• If an employee resigns during probation, they must give:
  • 14 days’ notice if they’re leaving the UAE
  • 30 days’ notice if they’re joining another UAE employer
• This aims to protect both employers and employees during the critical early months of employment

 3. Termination with ‘Legitimate Reason’

• Fixed-term contracts can be terminated early for what is termed a "legitimate reason"
• This can include business restructuring, poor performance, or any valid reason that can be documented and justified

4. Equal Pay and Anti-Discrimination Enhancements

• The law now more strongly supports equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender
• Protections have been expanded to prevent discrimination based on religion, sex, race, color, nationality, social origin, or disability

5. Flexible Work Arrangements Encouraged

• Employers are now encouraged to adopt hybrid, part-time, or freelance work models
• These flexible arrangements aim to support work-life balance and cater to diverse workforce needs

6. Updated Working Hours and Overtime Rules

The law continues to stipulate:

• Maximum of 48 working hours per week (8 hours per day)
• Maximum 2 hours of overtime per day, unless the nature of the work requires more

Key Benefits of Having a UAE Labour Card

The Labour Card isn’t just a legal formality—it’s essential for your employment in the UAE. Here's why it matters:

Legal Work Authorisation

• Your Labour Card officially confirms that you’re employed in the UAE under legal terms
• Without it, you can’t work legally, and employers could face penalties

Smooth Payroll & Benefits Management

• The Labour Card links your employment information with your employer’s HR and payroll system
• It’s critical for processing:
  • Salaries
  • Sick leave and vacation days
  • End-of-service benefits
  • Work hours and overtime pay

Access to Health Insurance

• Labour Card details are used when enrolling in mandatory health insurance
• This ensures you get access to healthcare benefits as part of your employment

Legal Protection & Labour Rights

• A valid Labour Card entitles you to all employee protections under UAE labour law, including:
  • Fair working hours
  • Compensation for overtime
  • Protection from unfair dismissal
  • Safe and healthy working conditions

Proof of Compliance for Employers

• Employers are responsible for maintaining labour cards up to date to stay compliant with MoHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) regulations
• Helps avoid fines and legal issues

Types of Labour Cards UAE and Work Permits

1. Work Permit for Foreign Workers

Allows companies to hire employees from abroad. Employers apply, and workers must meet visa and health requirements before entering the UAE. 

2. Work Permit for Citizens Sponsored by Relatives

Enables UAE nationals, who are sponsored by family members, to work in the private sector—supporting family stability while enhancing workforce participation.

3. Transfer Work Permit

Lets employees to transition between jobs within the UAE without leaving the country, offering more flexibility for both workers and employers. 

4. One-Mission Work Permit

This permit is used for specific tasks or missions that require foreign expertise, often for a limited time. It’s perfect for companies that need someone to perform a specialised job.

5. Juvenile Work Permit

Issued to youth aged 15–18, allowing them to gain work experience under rules that protect their rights and safety. These include restrictions on working hours and the type of work they can perform.

6. Student Training Work Permit

Allows students to intern or train while studying, helping them gain practical skills before entering the workforce.

7. Temporary Work Permit

This type of work permit is issued for temporary jobs, typically for short-term contracts or projects. It’s designed to cater to companies that need workers for specific durations without committing to a long-term employment contract.

8. Part-Time Work Permit

Enables individuals to work part-time jobs for multiple employers—offering flexibility and better work-life balance.

9. National Apprentice Permit

Supports Emiratisation by helping UAE citizens train and prepare for careers in the private sector.

10. Freelance Work Permit

For self-employed professionals who want to work independently or with multiple clients on a project basis.

11. Emirati or GCC Citizen Hiring Permit

Makes it easier to employ UAE nationals or citizens from other Gulf countries, promoting regional employment.

12. Golden Visa Work Permit

Available to holders of the UAE’s Golden Visa, allowing long-term work for skilled professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs.

How to Apply for a Labour Card in the UAE as a Candidate?

Securing your Labour Card involves a straightforward process. Here is what you need to do: 

• Step 1: Secure a Job Offer

The first step is receiving a formal job offer from a UAE-based employer. The offer must be clear and include details about your role, salary, and benefits.

• Step 2: Employer Applies for Work Permit

Once you’ve accepted the job offer, your employer will apply for a work permit on your behalf through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). This is a necessary step before you can work legally in the UAE.

• Step 3: Entry Permit Issuance

If you are outside the UAE, you’ll need an entry permit. Your employer will apply for this permit, which allows you to enter the UAE legally for work purposes.

• Step 4: Medical Testing

Upon arrival in the UAE, you’ll need to undergo medical testing at a UAE-approved health center. The tests typically check for communicable diseases like tuberculosis and HIV.

• Step 5: Apply for Emirates ID

Alongside your medical testing, start the process of applying for an Emirates ID. This identification card is mandatory for all residents of the UAE.

• Step 6: Application for a Residency Visa

After that, your employer will handle your resident visa. This visa enables you to live and work in the UAE and is linked to your employment.

• Step 7: Labour Card Application Completion

After receiving your residency visa, your employer will submit the final Labour Card application to MoHRE. This card serves as proof of your legal employment in the country.

• Step 8: Receive Your Labour Card

Once processed, you will receive your Labour Card. It’s typically issued digitally, which can be accessed via the MoHRE app or website for verification.

How to Check Labour Card Number Online in UAE

Checking your Labour Card status is simple and can be done through several platforms:

1. Using the MOHRE App

• Download the MOHRE app from the App Store or Google Play
• Log in using your UAE Pass (your digital ID for accessing UAE government services)
• Once you are logged in, you’ll find an option “Labour Card Details” to view your Labour Card details, including the card number, issue date, and expiration date

2. Using the MOHRE Website

• Go to the MOHRE website
• Navigate to Services and select 'Work Permit Inquiry' or similar services
• Enter your details (Labour Card number, passport number, etc.)
• View your Labour Card information after submitting the required details

3. Using UAE Pass

• Download the UAE Pass app and log in
• Check your Labour Card status through the services available in the app

4. Visiting Tas’heel Service Centers

If you prefer a more personal touch, you can visit any Tas’heel Service Center. They provide in-person support to check your Labour Card status and offer other employment-related services.

New Labour Card Fees in UAE

The cost of obtaining or renewing a Labour Card varies based on the type of work permit. Here's a summary of the fees —

• For workers within the UAE: Fees range from 50 AED for juvenile, temporary, or part-time work permits to 250 AED for a Golden Visa holder or freelance permit
• For workers outside the UAE: Fees start at 50 AED for the work permit application and can go up to 3450 AED for a two-year work permit for specific categories

How to Renew a Labour Card in the UAE?

It’s important to start the renewal process 2-3 months before your Labour Card expires. This ensures that you don’t face any interruptions in your employment and that you remain compliant with the UAE laws.

Documents Required for Renewal

• Completed application form (available through MoHRE or at Tas’heel)
• Recent passport-sized photo
• Copy of valid passport
• Current Labour Card copy
• Company trade license
• Valid Emirates ID
• Updated medical test results (if required)

Renewal Fees

The renewal fee for a Labour Card in UAE varies based on the type of work permit, ranging between 250 AED and 3450 AED.

Renewal Process

• Employer submits renewal: Your employer initiates the process through MoHRE or at a Tas’heel center
• Payment of renewal fee: The fee will be paid by your employer
• Issuance of renewed Labour Card: Once approved, your renewed Labour Card will be available digitally via MoHRE or the app

How to Replace a Lost or Damaged Labour Card?

If you lose or damage your Labour Card, here's what you need to do:

1. Report the Loss or Damage

• Inform your employer immediately
• File a police report for a lost card (depending on the emirate)

2. Apply for a Replacement

Your employer must submit an application for a replacement card through MoHRE. This may require:

• A police report (if the card was lost)
• A damaged card (if replacing a damaged card)
• A recent photo

3. Pay the Replacement Fee

The fee for replacing a Labour Card depends on the employer’s category:

Category A	500 AED
Category B	1500 AED
Category C	2500 AED

4. Receive the Replacement Card

Once the process is complete, your replacement Labour Card will be issued, and it will be available digitally

Labour Card Expiry and Fines

It’s crucial to renew your Labour Card in the UAE before it expires. If you don’t renew in time, you could face fines:

• AED 500 fine for failure to renew on time
• Working without a valid card could result in higher fines and legal penalties for both the worker and employer

Conclusion

The UAE Labour Card is more than a mere formality; it is an essential document that secures your legal status as a worker in the UAE. Whether you’re an employee or an employer, understanding its importance, the eligibility requirements, and the application process is critical to ensuring a smooth and compliant working experience in the UAE.

By following the correct procedures for obtaining, renewing, or checking your Labour Card, you can avoid legal issues and enjoy the many benefits of working in the UAE.

Frequently Asked Questions