How to Check Labor Card Online in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates has long been a hub for economic growth and development, attracting a diverse range of skilled professionals from around the world. If you work in the UAE, you must be aware of the terms and conditions outlined in your employment contract. Instead of referring to a hard copy of your employment letter anytime you wish to check a clause, you can easily view your labor card online via the MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratization) portal.

In this article, we will delve into the process of checking the labor card online in the UAE, offering a step-by-step guide for both employees and employers.

Understanding the Labor Card

The labor card, also known as a work permit, is an official document issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) that allows a person to work legally in the UAE. This card serves as proof of an individual's legal employment status in the country. It contains essential information such as the employee's name, job title, nationality, expiration date, employer's name, expiration date, and work permit number. Employees must have their labor card with them when traveling within the country.

According to the ‘UAE Labour Law’, it is illegal for a person to work in the UAE without a valid work permit issued as per the procedures set out by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), which is why it is important for anyone who wishes to work in the UAE to have a valid labour card.

Types of work permits

The MoHRE issues 12 different types of work permits that allow establishments registered with the MoHRE to hire employees based on the nature of the employment.

The types of permits are:

work permit to recruit a worker from outside the UAE
work permit to transfer a foreign worker from one establishment to another
work permit for a resident on a family sponsorship
a temporary work permit to hire a worker to complete a job within a specific period
a one-mission work permit to recruit a worker from abroad to complete a temporary job
a part-time work permit to recruit a worker under a part-time contract
juvenile permit to recruit a person of age between 15 to 18 years
a student training and employment permit to employ a 15-year-old student who is already in the UAE
UAE/GCC national work permit to employ a UAE or a GCC national
a golden visa holder permit to employ a worker holding the UAE’s Golden Residence visa
national trainee permit to train a UAE national
freelance permit issued to self-sponsored foreigners in the UAE

To apply for a work permit:

To apply for a work permit, the establishment must:

have a valid trade license
Application filed by the authorized signatory of the establishment

MoHRE may refuse to issue or renew work permits or cancel them if the establishment:

provides incorrect documents
is fictitious or does not exercise its registered activity
It is not in line with the 'Wages Protection System' or any other system employed to regulate the national labor market.

UAE labour card eligibility

All employees working in the United Arab Emirates, regardless of nationality or nature of work, are required to have a UAE labor card. This includes local and foreign workers in the country, whether in the public or private sectors. To be eligible for a UAE labour card, both employees and employers must meet certain conditions as detailed below.

For employees:

• the employee must be at least 18 years old and no older than 60 years old
• they must have the required academic qualifications for the job
• they must pass a medical examination and get a certificate from their home country.

For employers:

• Employers must keep their records in order and not keep outdated labor cards
• Employees' salaries must be appropriate to their position
• Employers must ensure that their companies follow the Ministry's regulations

It is important to note that companies must provide their employees with the UAE Labor Card within 60 days of their arrival in the UAE. If the employer fails to do so, they will be held liable and may face fines.

How to check Labor Card Online?

The UAE labor card number can be viewed online in the following two ways:

Through the official MOHRE website
Through the official MOHRE mobile app – Android, iOS

To check labor card via the MOHRE website:

Earlier, you could check your labor card online on the Ministry of Labour’s website, but it has now been replaced by MOHRE, and the process has become even simpler.

The process to check your labour card online requires the following steps:

Visit the MOHRE website
Click on the Services tab and then click on Enquiry Services.
You will then see a window with a drop-down button where you can select the service you want. Select the Electronic Work Permit Information if you want to view the card or click on the Print Electronic Work Permit to print your labour card.
Next, enter your details and click on search
Once the system locates your information, it will direct you to the next page, where you can view your labour card online.

To check Labour Card Via MOHRE App:

To check your labour card online through the MOHRE app, follow the below steps:

Download the MOHRE app via Play Store or iOS
Open the app and click on sign up, select register with employee and enter your details. If you know your Labour Card Number, you can register with your Emirates ID. If you don’t know your Labour card number, you can register with your passport details.
Input your passport details, nationality, Date of birth, and mobile number on the registration form and click submit.
Create a username and password using your email address. Keep in mind that a link for activation will be sent to your email address after you complete the registration process.
Then, you will then have to choose 2 security questions and answer them. Once you’re done with answering the questions click the next button.
Read the app’s terms of service and privacy statement and click next after selecting I accept.
Enter your phone number and email address for verification. Then click on get OTP button.
Open your mailbox and verify your smartphone with the activation link, then enter the passcode in the step 6 window bar. Press the Click here option.
Open the MOHRE app, enter your username and password. And go to Employee Dashboard.
The Employee Dashboard will allow you to view the details of your– Labour card, Passport, Employment Contract, Business, and more. Select the View Labour Card option.
You can now view your labour card and print it for future use.

UAE Labour Card fees:

The cost of getting and renewing a work permit ranges from AED 250 to AED 3,450, depending on the classification of the company.: A, B, or C. The classification indicates the extent to which firms adhere to UAE labor law, the Wages Protection System, appropriate MoHRE resolutions and directives, worker rights laws, and the policy of promoting cultural and demographic diversity. Companies that have a history of noncompliance and a lack of commitment are classified in category C.

UAE Labour Card expiry:

The labor card is valid for 2 years, however, government employees receive a card valid for 3 years. Renewal is possible for the same duration, but only if both the employee and the employer agree. To maintain continued validity, the labor card must be renewed within 50 days after it expires.

To cancel your Labour Card:

The labour card can be cancelled only by the employer. There are typically 6 types of labour card cancellations. This includes – Normal cancellation, used labor card cancellation, Cancellation of unused work permits, Ill-fated cancellation, international cancellation, and Death cancellation. Here is the procedure to cancel the labour card:

The employer must submit labour card cancellation application to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE).
The employee’s visa must then be cancelled by the employer by filing an application with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDFRA).
MOHRE also demands a document that is signed and states that the employee obtained the pay that was agreed upon in their contract.

Conclusion

The UAE's commitment to enhancing accessibility and transparency in labor-related matters is evident through the introduction of online services such as checking the labor card status. Both employees and employers can benefit from the convenience provided by these digital platforms. Checking the labor card online empowers individuals to verify and easily access their employment details, it also ensures that employers adhere to labor laws and regulations. As the UAE continues to evolve and innovate, these online services stand as a testament to the country's dedication to improving the overall work experience for everyone involved.