PRO services
Labour inspection support for MOHRE-registered companies
A labour inspection is a check by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation that a private employer follows the Labour Law. Inspectors look at work permits, contracts, wage payment through the Wages Protection System, employee records and, where it applies, Emiratisation. Any establishment registered with MOHRE can be inspected, on site or through the ministry's digital systems.
At a glance Fact sheet
- Carried out by
- Inspectors of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
- Legal basis
- Article 57 of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and its regulations
- Who can be inspected
- Private sector establishments registered with MOHRE, and workers' accommodation
- How companies are chosen
- A risk-based smart inspection system, plus complaints the ministry receives
- Records to keep
- Worker files, for at least two years after each employee leaves
- Language of records
- Arabic is the approved language for records and files
Overview
The ministry inspects in two ways. Inspectors visit workplaces and labour accommodation, and the ministry's systems follow company data all year round. Wage transfers and permit expiry dates are visible to MOHRE without anyone coming to your office. A smart inspection system ranks companies by risk and decides where inspectors go first, and complaints from workers or the public also lead to visits.
Inspectors act with legal authority. The Labour Law gives them the status of law enforcement officers, which means they may enter an establishment, examine what they find and record violations. They are expected to identify themselves, to give notice of a visit unless the task requires otherwise, and to keep company information confidential.
Most findings are ordinary. An expired permit, a job title that does not match the work being done, wages paid late or outside the system, a missing employee file, or paperwork sent to the ministry that does not reflect what happens in the business. Caliph reviews these points with you in advance, so a visit confirms what you already know about your own company.
What a Caliph inspection review covers
Permits and contracts for every worker
We list everyone who works for you and check that each has a valid work permit and a registered contract that matches their real job and pay.
Wage transfers
Establishments registered with MOHRE pay wages through the Wages Protection System, in the amount and on the date in the contract. We compare your transfers with your contracts.
Employee files
The law requires a file for each worker, kept for at least two years after they leave. We check that each one is complete and can be found quickly.
Emiratisation, where it applies
Targets apply to private companies above a set headcount, and to smaller ones in specified sectors. We tell you whether your company falls within them.
Workplace rules and conditions
Internal work rules, injury reporting, the summer midday break and accommodation standards are all areas inspectors look at. We go through the ones relevant to you.
A clear reply if the ministry writes
If you receive a notice or a recorded violation, we help you understand it, correct the gap and submit the evidence the ministry asks for.
Records to have in order
- The valid trade licence and establishment card
- A current list of employees with work permit and residence expiry dates
- The signed job offer and employment contract for each worker
- Wage records and Wages Protection System transfer reports
- A personal file for each current employee, and for those who left within the past two years
- Your internal work rules, where the law requires you to have them
- Records of work injuries and how they were reported
- Accommodation documents, if you house workers
What an inspector asks for depends on your activity and size. Your consultant builds the checklist around your company.
How we prepare you for an inspection
We review your labour file
Your consultant goes through the company's MOHRE record, permits, contracts and any open fines or notices.
We compare records with reality
Job titles, salaries and headcount on file are checked against what happens in the business.
You get a list of gaps
Each gap is written down with what the rule requires and what needs to change.
We fix what can be fixed by filing
Renewals, contract amendments, permit corrections and cancellations are submitted to the ministry.
You put the internal items right
Wage payment routines, employee files and workplace rules are updated on your side, with our guidance.
We stay available after a visit
If an inspector records a point or the ministry sends a notice, we help you respond and show the correction.
Good to know
- Passing recruitment costs on to workers and holding their passports are both prohibited, and inspectors look for the first in particular.
- The ministry can refuse new work permits to a company that does not comply with wage payment or other labour rules.
- Companies can assess themselves on certain points through MOHRE's own app, which is a useful first check.
Questions people ask
What does MOHRE check during a labour inspection?
Inspectors check that wages are paid on time through the Wages Protection System, that documents given to the ministry are accurate and that the business holds the right licence for what it does. They also look at Emiratisation where it applies, workers' accommodation, the midday break, injury reporting and recruitment costs charged to workers.
Will MOHRE tell me before an inspector visits?
Inspectors are expected to notify the employer of a visit unless the purpose of the inspection requires otherwise, so unannounced visits do happen. They identify themselves when they arrive. Because the ministry also monitors data digitally, the practical answer is to keep the company ready at all times.
Which records must an employer keep?
The Labour Law requires employers to keep files and records for their workers, and to keep them for at least two years after each worker's service ends. The signed job offer and employment contract must be kept for the same minimum period. Arabic is the approved language for records.
Does the Wages Protection System apply to my company?
If the company is registered with MOHRE, yes. Wages are paid through approved banks, exchange houses or financial institutions, so the ministry can see that each worker received the contracted amount on time. The ministry monitors transfers electronically, and it can withhold work permits from companies that do not comply.
Does Emiratisation apply to small companies?
Emiratisation targets apply to private sector companies with 50 or more employees, and to companies with 20 to 49 employees in specified economic sectors. Companies outside those groups are not covered by the targets at present. The rules are updated often, so your Caliph consultant confirms what applies to you.
What happens if an inspector finds a violation?
The inspector records it, and the ministry can apply administrative penalties. Serious cases can be referred to the Public Prosecution, and a company can be refused new work permits until it complies. The sensible response is to correct the gap quickly and show the ministry proof.
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Wages Protection System
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Emiratisation targets
- UAE Government portal, work permits
Reviewed by Caliph Business Solutions on . Rules differ by activity and by authority. Your Caliph consultant confirms what applies to you.
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