Employment Law in Dubai UAE | Claiming the Labor Rights in UAE

There are a surprisingly high number of labor disputes in progress at any given time in the UAE and knowing the procedure and process are key to bringing about the best solution. The initial steps must be carried out by the parties involved, either the employer or the employee and lawyers cannot be directly involved until the dispute is referred to court.

For the Dubai Labor Authorities to consider any legal matters against an employee or an employer, a labor relationship must exist (or have existed) with a labor card or, at the very least, a formal offer letter issued by the authorities.

There is a separate independent body established to hear and handle manpower affairs known as the Ministry of Labor & Social Affairs. Initially, however, a complaint should be submitted to either the Labor Department of the Ministry (for UAE mainland companies) or the labor dispute section of the Freezone authority for Freezone companies.

Government employees should submit the case to Rulers Office as the initial step to obtain an NOC in order to proceed.

The labor authority concerned will then arrange a meeting between the employer and the employee to attempt to settle the dispute. If this is not successful, the matter can then be referred to the court.

At this stage, if you have not already done so, you can and should seek the assistance of a competent and experienced advocates in Dubai who can handle the proceedings in the court on your behalf.