If you are facing issues with your employer in the UAE, whether it’s related to unpaid wages, unfair treatment, violation of contract terms, or any other employment-related grievances, there are official channels through which you can submit a complaint. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
1. Understand Your Rights
Before submitting a complaint, it’s crucial to understand your rights as an employee under UAE labor law. The UAE labor law protects employees against issues like:
- Non-payment or delayed payment of wages
- Unfair termination
- Workplace harassment or discrimination
- Breach of contract terms
- Poor working conditions
Familiarize yourself with these rights to ensure your complaint is valid and supported by law.
2. Attempt to Resolve the Issue Internally
- Talk to Your HR Department:
- Before escalating the issue, try to resolve it internally by discussing it with your Human Resources (HR) department or a direct supervisor.
- Document your communications (emails, meeting notes) as they can be useful if you need to escalate the complaint.
- Review Your Employment Contract:
- Revisit your employment contract to understand the terms and conditions, and see if the company has violated any of them.
- Gather evidence, such as salary slips, email correspondences, or any other documentation relevant to your complaint.
3. Submit a Complaint to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
If the issue is not resolved internally, you can file a complaint with the MOHRE, which oversees labor-related matters in the UAE.
- Visit the MOHRE Website or App:
- You can file a complaint online via the MOHRE website or through the MOHRE mobile app (available on iOS and Android).
- You can also call the MOHRE hotline at 80060 or visit a MOHRE Tasheel service center in person.
- Create an Account:
- If you’re filing the complaint online, you’ll need to create an account or log in if you already have one.
- Submit the Complaint:
- Provide your personal details, company details, and a clear description of the issue.
- Attach any relevant documents as evidence, such as your employment contract, payslips, or emails.
- Receive a Case Number:
- Once the complaint is submitted, you’ll receive a case number which you can use to track the status of your complaint.
- Follow Up:
- MOHRE may contact you for additional information or to attend a mediation session between you and your employer.
- If the issue is resolved through mediation, the case will be closed. If not, MOHRE may refer the case to the labor court.
4. File a Complaint with the Free Zone Authority (If Applicable)
If you work in a Free Zone, the complaint process might differ slightly as each Free Zone has its own authority managing labor issues. Here’s what you should do:
- Contact the Free Zone Authority:
- Reach out to the relevant Free Zone Authority (e.g., Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) to submit your complaint.
- Follow Their Process:
- The Free Zone Authority will guide you through their specific complaint submission process, which often involves submitting a written complaint and supporting documents.
- Attend Mediation:
- Like with MOHRE, the Free Zone Authority may arrange mediation between you and your employer to resolve the issue.
- Escalation to Labor Court:
- If mediation fails, the complaint may be escalated to the UAE labor court for further action.
5. Approach the Labor Court
If your issue is not resolved through MOHRE or the Free Zone Authority, you can take the matter to the UAE labor court.
- Legal Representation:
- While you can represent yourself, it may be beneficial to hire a lawyer who specializes in UAE labor law, especially for complex cases.
- File a Case:
- The labor court will require all the documentation related to your complaint, including evidence of attempts to resolve the issue through MOHRE or the Free Zone Authority.
- Attend Hearings:
- The court will schedule hearings where both you and your employer can present your cases. The court will then issue a ruling based on UAE labor law.
6. After the Complaint is Resolved
- Compliance with Ruling: If the court rules in your favor, your employer must comply with the decision. This could involve paying outstanding wages, compensation, or other remedies.
- Final Settlements: Ensure you receive any settlements or compensation as ordered by the court. If your employer fails to comply, you may need to take further legal action.
Conclusion
Submitting a complaint against your company in the UAE is a structured process designed to protect employees’ rights. Start by trying to resolve the issue internally, and if that fails, escalate it to the MOHRE or Free Zone Authority. In cases where mediation does not resolve the issue, the UAE labor court is the final recourse. Always ensure you have all the necessary documentation and legal support, if needed, to strengthen your case.
