UAE labour law guide
The UAE labour card
It isn't a plastic card any more. Here's what it is now and how to find yours.
In short
The UAE labour card is your work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). The plastic card has been replaced by an electronic work permit, which you can check and print for free on the MOHRE app or website. Free zone employees get their permit from their free zone instead.
Updated
- Issued by
- MOHRE, or your free zone
- Format
- Electronic work permit
- Check online
- MOHRE app or website, free
- Free zones
- Your free zone's own portal
Written by Sukaina Sehar, CMO at LeagrowUpdated
What is a labour card in the UAE?
It's your work permit: the record that you're allowed to work for your employer in the UAE. Your employer applies for it through MOHRE when you join. Most people still call it a labour card, even though it's no longer a plastic card.
How do you check your labour card online?
On the MOHRE app or the MOHRE website. Checking is free.
- MOHRE app: sign in, often with UAE Pass, and open your work permit details
- MOHRE website: use the enquiry services for electronic work permit information
- Have your work permit number, person code or passport details ready
- Print or save the electronic work permit from the same page
- Prefer help in person? A Tas'heel centre can look it up for you
What is your labour card number?
It's your work permit number. You'll find it in the MOHRE app and on your electronic work permit.
If something on your permit looks wrong, like your name or job title, tell HR. They submitted it, so they're the ones who can get it fixed.
Can you see your labour contract online too?
Yes. Your MOHRE-registered labour contract is in the MOHRE app, where you can view and download a copy.
Do free zone employees have a MOHRE labour card?
No. Free zone employees get their work permit or employment card from their free zone authority, so they check it on that free zone's portal, not with MOHRE.
Sources
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
- Gulf News: check and download your UAE labour contract online
Checked . We explain the law as it applies to most private-sector jobs. It isn't legal advice, so for your own case, check with MOHRE or a lawyer.
Every employee's documents in one place.
Leagrow HR keeps each person's records and documents together, with expiry dates you can see coming.
- One record per person, with their documents attached
- Document expiry dates, so renewals don't slip
- Onboarding checklists that collect what new joiners need
- Visibility settings, so only the right people see private files
Keep reading
More on UAE labour law.
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End-of-service pay under the 2021 UAE Labour Law. Free, no sign-up.
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UAE annual leave
30 days a year, and what happens to the days you don't use.
UAE labour law guide
Leave, notice, pay and end-of-service rules for the private sector.
Questions, answered.
Is the UAE labour card still issued?
Not as a plastic card. It's now an electronic work permit from MOHRE, which you can view and print online.
How can I check my labour card status?
In the MOHRE app or on the MOHRE website, using your work permit number, person code or passport details. It's free.
Where can I find my labour card number?
In the MOHRE app or on your electronic work permit. It's the same as your work permit number.
Who applies for the labour card?
Your employer applies for your work permit through MOHRE when you join, or through the free zone if you work in one.
I work in a free zone. Where is my permit?
With your free zone authority. Check it on your free zone's portal, not on MOHRE.
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