Any employee working in the UAE must need to have a MOHRE labour card UAE. The labor card is issued by the relevant free zone where workers want to work. It can also be issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation or commonly known as (MoHRE). It acts as a form of identification for workers and they should always have it with them.
The labor card of an employee/workers contains the following information:
- Name of an employee
- Occupation of an employee
- Employer name
- Employee nationality
- Date of expiration
- Personal identification number of an employee
- Work permit number of an employee
- Labor card number of an employee
This card contains vital information between the worker and the employer. It can help with setting up the payroll and employee benefits as well.
Who needs a labour card in the UAE?
A worker or employee who wants to work in the United Arab Emirates needs a labor card. Without having a labor card on hand, an employee can not be eligible to work for any company in the UAE.
Benefits of Having a Mohre Labour Card
Having a labor card in the UAE is an essential part to start working in the UAE. This card is vital for employee work-related benefits. Employees are required to input information such as card and payroll systems. This information deals with health insurance applications.
By putting the correct information in the system, it becomes easier to manage information like sick day payments, accurate work hours, and annual leaves. Without having a labor card, setting up employee benefits systems can’t be possible.
The employee labor card ensures employers to adhere to the key UAE employment regulations. These include the following:
- 48 working hours per week and 8 hours daily.
- Two hours overtime is capped for most industries.
- Overtime and work hours need to be correctly and properly compensated.
Additionally, employers need to ensure fair and safe working conditions for employees. For instance, employers must provide adequate safety equipment in the working space, employees shouldn’t be discriminated against based on sex, religion, or disability.
How can I get my labour card from MOHRE?
The authorities of the United Arab Emirates have now stopped handing out physical copies of the labor cards. Still, if you want to keep a physical copy with you, then you need to download and print it. You can have a physical copy and the app’s digital copy is also convenient.
Follow the steps if you want to download and print the UAE labor card:
- Visit the MoHRE website.
- At the top of the website click the ‘Services’ button
- From the drop down menu, select ‘New Enquiry Services.’
- Now select the “Choose A Service’ option and then select the ‘Print Electronic Work Permit.’
- Now enter your labor card number on the ‘Work Permit No’ tab and click search.
- At the top right corner of the page, select the ‘Print’ option
- Now, you can download your UAE labor card and print it.
Eligibility Requirements for a Mohre Labour Card
Regardless of the work, anyone who works or wants to work in the UAE needs a labor card. Both private and public sector employees must have to obtain a labor card and a work permit in the UAE. The local and foreign workers employed in the country need it.
The eligibility criteria for employees are:
- He/she should be at least 18 years of age
- He/she should not be older than 60 years.
- He/she must have the academic qualification for the role they applied for.
- He/she must pass a medical examination.
- He/she must obtain a certificate from their home nation.
Similarly, employers also need to ensure that:
- Are their records in order?
- Don’t they possess expired labor cards?
- Is an employee’s salary in line with the work that they do?
- Does the company adhere to the MoHRE procedures?
It is the responsibility of employers to provide the UAE labor card to the employee. They are required to do so within 60 days of the worker’s arrival in the country. In case of delay they may face fines.
Documents Needed for a Mohre Labour Card Application
It is essential to submit certain documents to the authorities when applying for a labor card.
The list of the documents you need:
- An employee photograph
- A company’s valid trade license photocopy
- An employee’s passport photocopy
- Employee entry visa photocopy
- A valid health certificate
- 3 copies of the employment contract
- Academic credentials depends on the job such as, a copy of a university certificate for an engineer, doctor, or lawyer
Processing Time for a Mohre Labour Card
It doesn’t take much time if the documents are complete and accurate. Upon the complete submission of documents, it usually takes about 5 working days for the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) to issue the labor card
Fees Associated with a Mohre Labour Card
The MOHRE labor card fees depend on the company you work for. Currently, the fees range between AED 250 and AED 3,450. It is valid for two years while for government employees, they have an exception as their cards are valid for three years.
The labor card will renew again for the same duration if both parties agree such as employee and employer. Ensure to continue the card within 50 days after it expires.
Important Note: If the employer/organization doesn’t apply for a new labor card when the previous one expires within 60 days of entry to UAE, they could be fined AED 500. It is noted that working without a permit can result in further fines.
Resolving Mohre Labour Card Application Issues
Want to launch a career in the UAE? You must need a work permit, you can obtain the MOHRE labour card while you get the work permit.
The application process for the labor card is as follows:
- Initially, you need to get visa quota approval from MoHRE. However, if the company is in the free zones, then you need to take permission before the employee enters the UAE.
- A signed contract letter in Arabic and English.
- The ministry of the UAE will issue the employee a pink visa, an entry visa. This will allow an employee to enter the country.
- To receive the relevant documentation, the employee must go through medical screening.
- You must also provide other documents and fill in the official application.
- Now, visit the Emirates ID service center.
- At last when the permit is given, the employee’s passport, the Emirates ID collection, and the work permit can be stamped officially.
Lost or Damaged Mohre Labour Card
Working without a MOHRE Labour Card in the UAE is illegal and a person may face penalties if he/she wishes to do so. In case of losing a Labour Card, report it immediately to the authorities. Also, apply for a replacement through the MOHRE website or your employer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, to work legally it is essential to obtain a MOHRE labour card from MOHRE. To obtain a labor card timely, it is necessary for both employee and employers to know the pre-requisites. Failure to comply with the law will result in severe consequences in the form of fines. So, it is advisable to submit the complete documents on time to avoid any difficulty in obtaining a labor card.
