MOHRE

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, which regulates employment on the UAE mainland — labour contracts, work permits, the Wage Protection System and end-of-service entitlements. Free zone companies deal with their own zone authority instead.

Where it comes up

MOHRE regulates employment on the UAE mainland — labour contracts, work permits, the Wage Protection System and end-of-service entitlements. Free zone companies deal with their own zone authority instead, on broadly similar principles.

What it costs

Work permit and contract registration fees per employee, plus any bank guarantee the activity requires.

Who it applies to

Every mainland employer. Since the 2022 labour law reforms all mainland contracts are fixed-term and renewable, unlimited contracts having been phased out.

How it actually goes

1. Open the establishment fileThe company registers with MOHRE and receives a labour establishment card. Free zone companies deal with their zone's labour function instead.
2. Issue the job offerA MOHRE-standard offer signed by the employee before the work permit is issued, and it must match the contract that follows.
3. Obtain the work permitThen the entry permit, medical, Emirates ID and residence stamping.
4. Register the contractThe signed contract is lodged with MOHRE. Fixed terms of up to three years, renewable.
5. Enrol in WPSSalaries pay through the Wage Protection System from the first month.

MOHRE end-of-service and notice rules apply regardless of what the employment contract says. A clause that gives an employee less than the statutory entitlement is unenforceable, not clever.

In short

• Governs mainland employment relationships
• Runs the Wage Protection System
• Free zones administer their own employment regimes

Where this leads

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