By Adil Ahmad, Business Setup Consultant at Gulf Corporate Services
Summary
MOHRE inquiry services let employees and employers in the UAE check work permit status, labour card details, approved employment contracts, transaction status and complaints online, usually free of charge. You can use the MOHRE website, the MOHRE app, the 600590000 call centre or WhatsApp. This guide explains each MOHRE inquiry, what you need, step by step checks, employer services and FAQs.
What Is MOHRE?
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) regulates private sector employment on the UAE mainland. It was once called the Ministry of Labour, which is why people still search for “MOL inquiry”. MOHRE handles:
- Work permits and labour cards
- Employment contracts
- The Wage Protection System (WPS)
- Labour complaints and disputes
- Emiratisation targets for private companies
- Company labour files and quotas
Free zone companies usually issue work permits through their free zone, while autonomous zones such as DIFC and ADGM have their own employment rules. For mainland jobs, though, MOHRE is the main source of truth.
MOHRE Inquiry Services at a Glance
| MOHRE Inquiry | What It Shows | Who Uses It | Details Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work permit status | Whether a permit is in process, approved or rejected | Employees, employers | Transaction or permit number, or passport details |
| Labour card inquiry | Labour card number, issue and expiry dates | Employees | Labour card or person code |
| View approved contract | The salary, job title and terms registered with MOHRE | Employees, employers | Transaction number or passport details |
| Transactions inquiry | The status of any MOHRE application | Employers, PROs | Transaction reference number |
| Company inquiry | Company labour file, status and category | Employers, job seekers | Company number or trade licence details |
| Absconding inquiry | Whether an absconding report exists | Employees | Passport or labour card details |
| Complaint status | Progress of a labour or salary complaint | Employees | Complaint reference number |
Most MOHRE enquiry services are free when you use official channels.
How to Check Work Permit Status on MOHRE
A MOHRE work permit status check is the most common inquiry, especially for people waiting to join a new job.
- Open the MOHRE website and go to Inquiry Services, or open the MOHRE app.
- Choose the work permit or transaction inquiry option.
- Enter the transaction number, permit number or passport details.
- Complete the verification code and submit.
- Review the status, such as under process, approved or rejected.
If your permit is approved, your employer moves on to the visa stage with the immigration authority. Our guide to the work permit in the UAE explains the different permit types.
What MOHRE Status Messages Mean
| Status | What It Means | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Under process | MOHRE is still reviewing the application | Wait, and check again in a few days |
| Pending payment | Fees have not been paid | Ask your employer or PRO to pay |
| Pending employee approval | You need to accept the offer or contract | Approve it through the link or app |
| Approved | The permit or contract is issued | Move on to the visa and Emirates ID stage |
| Rejected | The application failed | Ask the employer for the reason and reapply |
Work Permit Types You May See
MOHRE issues several work permit types, and your inquiry result may show any of these:
- Standard work permit for a new hire from abroad
- Transfer permit when moving between mainland employers
- Part time and temporary work permits
- Juvenile permits for workers aged 15 to 18
- Permits for golden visa holders and UAE or GCC nationals
High earners and skilled professionals may also qualify for the UAE Golden Visa, and existing employees can read how to convert a Dubai employment visa to a golden visa.
Labour Card Inquiry
The labour card is the record of your employment with MOHRE. A labour card inquiry shows its number, issue date and expiry. Check it when:
- You have just joined a company
- Your visa is up for renewal
- You plan to change jobs
- A bank or landlord asks for proof of employment
If your labour card has expired but you are still working, ask your employer or PRO to renew it quickly, since delays can lead to fines for the company.
View Your Approved Employment Contract
Every mainland employee has an electronic contract registered with MOHRE. The “View Approved Contract” inquiry shows the terms the ministry holds, including:
- Job title
- Basic salary and allowances
- Contract type and duration
- Employer details
Compare this with your offer letter. If the salary on MOHRE is lower than agreed, raise it before you sign the final contract. Under current UAE labour law, employment contracts are fixed term, and our guide on limited and unlimited contracts in the UAE explains how older contracts were converted.
Transactions Inquiry: Track Any MOHRE Application
The MOHRE transactions inquiry service lets you track any application using its reference number. Employers and PROs use it to follow:
- New work permit applications
- Renewals and modifications
- Cancellations
- Contract updates
Keep every transaction number your PRO or typing centre gives you. It is the fastest way to check progress.
Company Inquiry for Employers and Job Seekers
A company inquiry shows a company’s MOHRE file, including its status and classification. It helps:
- Job seekers check that a company is real and active before accepting an offer
- Employers confirm their labour file is in good standing before hiring
- Business owners review quotas and any restrictions on the file
If your company file shows a block, it is usually linked to unpaid fines, expired documents or WPS issues. Our PRO services team can review and clear these for you.
Labour Complaints and Salary Complaints
If you have not been paid or face a dispute, you can file a labour complaint through the MOHRE website or app.
- Salary complaints: file with your Emirates ID, contract details and employer name. Filing is usually free
- Contract or termination disputes: MOHRE first tries to settle the case, then refers unresolved cases to the labour courts
- Tracking: use your complaint reference number to check progress online
The Labour Claims and Advisory Centre on 80084 also gives guidance on labour rights.
Wage Protection System (WPS) Checks
WPS is MOHRE’s electronic salary system. Mainland employers must pay salaries through approved banks or exchange houses registered with WPS. Employees can raise concerns if salaries are late, and employers can check their WPS compliance on the MOHRE portal. Late WPS payments can block a company’s work permit applications.
MOHRE Inquiry Channels
| Channel | How to Use It |
|---|---|
| MOHRE website | Inquiry Services section, no login needed for many checks |
| MOHRE app | iOS and Android, with UAE Pass login for advanced services |
| Call centre | 600590000 inside the UAE |
| 600590000 for guidance and follow up | |
| Service centres | Approved MOHRE centres, often called Business Service Centres, formerly Tasheel |
Many services need a UAE Pass login, which links to your Emirates ID.
What You Need Before a MOHRE Inquiry
- Passport number and nationality
- Emirates ID number
- Labour card or person code, if you have one
- Transaction or application number
- Company name or company number, for employer checks
MOHRE vs ICP vs GDRFA: Who Handles What?
| Authority | Handles |
|---|---|
| MOHRE | Work permits, labour cards, contracts, WPS, complaints |
| ICP | Residence visas and Emirates ID in most emirates |
| GDRFA Dubai | Residence visas, entry permits and fines in Dubai |
Once MOHRE approves your work permit, the visa itself is handled by ICP or GDRFA. See our guides to ICP smart services, how to check Emirates ID status and the GDRFA fine check in Dubai. For the difference between the two, read employment visa vs residence visa in the UAE.
MOHRE Services for New Business Owners
If you are opening a mainland company, MOHRE becomes part of your daily operations. Expect to:
- Open a company labour file after receiving your trade licence
- Register for WPS before paying salaries
- Apply for work permits for each employee
- Meet Emiratisation targets if your company reaches the required size, using the Nafis programme
- Keep contracts, insurance and permits valid
Founders starting out should read our guide to mainland company formation in Dubai and the costs of a 2 year Dubai employment visa. The UAE Government’s labour and employment guide also summarises your rights and duties.
MOHRE Fees: What Costs Money?
Inquiries themselves are usually free. Fees apply to transactions, such as issuing, renewing or cancelling work permits, and they vary with the company’s MOHRE classification and the employee’s skill level. Companies with a strong record of Emiratisation and compliance often pay lower fees. Employers should also budget for mandatory health insurance, medical tests and Emirates ID costs for each employee, and set up a corporate bank account that supports WPS salary payments.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using unofficial websites or apps for MOHRE checks
- Signing a contract without checking the approved version on MOHRE
- Losing your transaction or complaint reference number
- Letting labour cards or permits expire
- Ignoring WPS delays, which can block future permits
Expert Tip From Our Consultants
Check the MOHRE contract inquiry before your first day, not after. If the details are wrong, it is far easier to fix before the contract is signed and the visa is issued. For employers, a monthly review of the company labour file catches expiring permits, unpaid fines and WPS issues before they block hiring. A good PRO partner can turn MOHRE from a headache into a routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my work permit status on MOHRE?
Use the MOHRE website or app, choose the work permit or transaction inquiry, then enter your transaction number or passport details.
Is MOHRE inquiry free?
Most inquiries through official MOHRE channels are free. Some applications and permits carry fees.
What is the MOHRE call centre number?
The MOHRE call centre is 600590000 inside the UAE.
How can I check my labour card status?
Use the labour card inquiry on the MOHRE website or app with your labour card number or person code.
Can I check my employment contract online?
Yes. Use the View Approved Contract service on the MOHRE website or app.
What is the difference between MOHRE and ICP?
MOHRE handles work permits and labour matters. ICP and GDRFA handle residence visas and Emirates ID.
Can I file a salary complaint online?
Yes. File it through the MOHRE website or app, and track it with your reference number.
Do free zone employees use MOHRE?
Usually not for work permits. Most free zone employees deal with their free zone authority instead.
Get Expert Help With MOHRE and Company Setup
Gulf Corporate Services helps business owners with company setup, MOHRE labour files, work permits, visas and WPS. Explore our business setup in Dubai services, or speak to our business setup consultants for fast support. Working in the Kingdom too? Read about Saudi labour laws for expatriates.
