Navigating the employment landscape of the UAE demands an understanding of essential documents like the UAE Labour Card. This card is not merely a formality but a pivotal element of legal employment for expatriates in the Emirates. Whether you’re a newcomer aiming to establish your career or an employer ensuring compliance with local laws, this article demystifies the complexities of obtaining, renewing, and utilising the UAE Labour Card to your advantage.
Let’s explore what every worker and employer needs to know about this crucial document.
UAE labour card 101
In the UAE, every employee is required to possess a Labour Card, issued by either the relevant free zone authority or the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). This card serves as a crucial form of identification that employees must carry at all times. It details the employee’s name, occupation, employer’s name, nationality, expiration date, personal identification number, work permit number, and labour card number. The Labour Card is essential for both employers and employees, facilitating the administration of employee benefits and payroll processes.
Who needs a UAE labour card?
In the UAE, a labour card is mandatory for anyone employed, encompassing both the private and public sectors. This requirement extends to all workers, local and international, ensuring they have valid work permits alongside their labour cards.
Eligibility criteria for workers
- Age between 18 and 60 years.
- Relevant academic qualifications for the designated role.
- A passed medical examination.
- Certification from the employee’s home country.
Responsibilities of employers
- Maintain accurate employment records and current labour cards.
- Ensure salaries reflect the duties performed.
- Adhere to all Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) procedures.
It is the employer’s duty to provide the labour card within 60 days of the employee’s entry into the UAE. Failure to comply can lead to significant fines.
Your roadmap to acquiring a UAE labour card
If you’re planning to start your career in the UAE, obtaining a work permit is crucial, and this responsibility lies with your employer. Alongside the work permit, you’ll also need a labour card and a residency visa to legally live and work in the country.
The application process
- Initial Approval: Obtain visa quota approval from MoHRE or permission from the relevant free zone authority before entry.
- Contractual Agreements: Have a signed employment contract in both English and Arabic.
- Entry and Medical Screening: Secure an entry visa (commonly referred to as a ‘pink visa’) and undergo medical screening.
- Documentation and Official Applications: Provide necessary documents and complete the official applications at the Emirates ID service centre.
Required documents for a labour card
- Employee’s photograph
- Photocopy of the company’s valid trade license
- Photocopy of the employee’s passport and entry visa
- Valid health certificate
- Three copies of the employment contract
- Relevant academic credentials, such as a university degree for specialised positions like doctors, engineers, or lawyers.
This streamlined process and the documentation checklist will guide you in smoothly navigating the administrative pathways to employment visa in the UAE.
How to check your UAE labour card status online
If you need to check your UAE Labour Card number, you can do so through two convenient methods:
- MoHRE Mobile App: Download the official MoHRE app from Android or iOS stores, log in using your UAE Pass, and navigate to your profile. Here, you’ll find details about your employment and a digital copy of your Labour Card.
- Visit a Tas’heel Service Centre: Located across the UAE, Tas’heel centres can provide detailed information about your employment status, including your Labour Card number or employment contract.
Download your UAE labour card
The UAE no longer issues physical Labour Cards, but you can easily download and print one if needed. Here’s how:
- Access the MoHRE Website: Visit the MoHRE website and click on ‘Services’ at the top of the page.
- Navigate to Services: Select ‘New Enquiry Services’ from the menu.
- Select Service: Click on ‘Choose A Service’ and select ‘Print Electronic Work Permit.’
- Enter Details: Input your Labour Card number in the ‘Work Permit No’ tab and click search.
- Print: Choose the ‘Print’ option at the top right corner of the page to download and print your UAE Labour Card.
A physical copy can be useful, although the digital copy available through the app is convenient for most purposes.
Everything about UAE labour card fees and regulations
The cost of issuing and renewing a work permit in the UAE varies depending on the employing company, with fees ranging from AED 250 to AED 3,450. Details on these fees can typically be found on relevant government websites.
UAE Labour Cards are generally valid for two years, except for government employees whose cards are valid for three years. Renewal for the same duration is possible if both employer and employee agree. It’s crucial to initiate the renewal process within 50 days after the card’s expiration to avoid penalties.
Employers must apply for a new Labour Card within 60 days of the employee’s entry into the UAE. Failure to do so may result in a fine of AED 500. Additionally, working without a permit can lead to further fines.
For details on any fines associated with your Labour Card, you can use the ‘Fine Calculator’ feature on the MoHRE website, similar to how you would find details for printing the card. Just enter your card number to view any fines associated with your UAE Labour Card.
Guidelines for updating and renewing your UAE labour card
You must renew your UAE Labour Card within 50 days of its expiry. Renewals can be processed at any Tas’heel centre, and you can check the status of your application on the official government website by entering the IN number from your application receipt. The new card is typically issued within ten days after the application is processed.
Modifications to the Labour Card can also be made at Tas’heel centres and usually take just a few days. Valid documentation and reasons for changes are necessary. For modifications related to medical or academic positions, a letter of approval from relevant government agencies may be required.
What’s new in UAE employment laws?
Companies in the UAE must ensure compliance with employment and HR regulations, including keeping labour card issues up to date. It’s important to note that UAE labour laws can change; significant updates came into effect at the start of 2023.
Key changes include:
- All current employees must now be on fixed-term contracts.
- A 14-day notice is required for terminating employment during probation, and 30 days if the employee joins another UAE company.
- Fixed-term contracts can be terminated for a ‘legitimate reason.’
Adjustments have also been made to equal pay, work hours, and flexible work arrangements. It’s vital for HR and payroll systems to stay updated with these changes to ensure compliance.
Key benefits of having a UAE labour card
The UAE Labour Card is integral to setting up and managing employee benefits systems, from payroll processing to health insurance applications. By ensuring accurate information from the Labour Card is entered into these systems, employers can efficiently manage work hours, sick leave payments, and annual leave entitlements.
Moreover, the Labour Card helps ensure compliance with UAE employment regulations, which stipulate:
- A maximum of 48 working hours per week and 8 hours per day.
- Overtime is limited to two hours for most sectors.
- Correct compensation for work hours and overtime.
Employers are also required to maintain fair and safe working conditions, provide necessary safety equipment, and prevent discrimination based on religion, sex, or disability. Ensuring these standards are met not only complies with the law but also promotes a healthy and equitable workplace.
Navigating employment law with Davidson & Co.
Navigating UAE employment laws requires more than just diligence; it demands expertise, particularly when it involves essentials like the Labour Card. Davidson & Co., with their deep specialisation in UAE employment and labour law, stands out as your ideal Dubai lawyers. Their seasoned team ensures that your legalities are managed effectively, keeping you compliant and informed. Engage with Davidson & Co. today to secure a partner that empowers and protects your interests in the UAE employment landscape.
