Immigrant Protections & Worker Safeguards in UAE
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from UAE federal decrees, laws, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Foreign workers and residents in the UAE are protected by several legal frameworks covering healthcare, wages, and workplace safety:
- Wages Protection System (WPS): All employers must pay wages through the electronic WPS, which allows MOHRE to monitor salary payments. If your employer fails to pay on time, MOHRE can impose penalties and you can file a complaint.
- Health insurance: Mandatory in Abu Dhabi (since 2006) and Dubai (since 2014). Employers must provide health insurance for employees and often for dependents. Coverage includes emergency care, hospitalisation, and outpatient treatment. In other emirates, health insurance is increasingly required for visa renewal.
- End-of-service gratuity: Workers who complete 1+ years of service are entitled to end-of-service gratuity — 21 days' basic salary per year for the first 5 years, 30 days per year after that (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021).
- Midday work ban: Outdoor work is prohibited from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM during summer (June 15 to September 15). Employers who violate this face fines of AED 5,000 per worker.
- Passport retention is illegal: Employers cannot confiscate your passport under any circumstances (Article 13, Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021). Violations are punishable by fines.
- Labour disputes: MOHRE provides free mediation for labour disputes. If mediation fails, the case is referred to the Labour Court, where workers are exempt from court fees for claims up to AED 100,000.
- Emergency medical care: All hospitals (public and private) must provide emergency medical treatment regardless of insurance or immigration status.
When does it apply?
- You are a foreign worker or resident in the UAE.
- Your employer has failed to pay wages, withheld your passport, or denied health insurance.
- You need medical care and are unsure about your coverage or entitlements.
What to Do If Your UAE Employer Is Violating Your Rights as a Foreign Worker
- Check your salary through WPS — if your employer is not paying through the electronic system, file a complaint with MOHRE.
- Report passport confiscation to MOHRE at 600-590000 or visit a Tasheel service centre immediately.
- File labour complaints through the MOHRE smart app or by visiting a Tasheel centre — mediation is free and usually resolves within 14 days.
- Verify your health insurance coverage by checking with your employer or the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) / Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH).
What should you NOT do?
- Do not agree to work without a written contract — verbal agreements are not enforceable, and MOHRE requires a registered contract.
- Do not waive your gratuity rights — end-of-service gratuity is a legal entitlement that cannot be contracted away.
- Do not delay filing complaints about unpaid wages — there are time limits, and the longer you wait, the harder it is to recover wages.
Common Questions
When does it apply — immigrant protections & worker safeguards?
You are a foreign worker or resident in the UAE.Your employer has failed to pay wages, withheld your passport, or denied health insurance.You need medical care and are unsure about your coverage or entitlements.
What should I do if my employer in the UAE is not paying me properly, confiscating my passport, or denying me health insurance?
Check your salary through WPS — if your employer is not paying through the electronic system, file a complaint with MOHRE.Report passport confiscation to MOHRE at 600-590000 or visit a Tasheel service centre immediately.File labour complaints through the MOHRE smart app or by visiting a Tasheel centre — mediation is free and usually resolves within 14 days.Verify your health insurance coverage by checking with your employer or the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) / Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH).
What should you NOT do — immigrant protections & worker safeguards?
Do not agree to work without a written contract — verbal agreements are not enforceable, and MOHRE requires a registered contract.Do not waive your gratuity rights — end-of-service gratuity is a legal entitlement that cannot be contracted away.Do not delay filing complaints about unpaid wages — there are time limits, and the longer you wait, the harder it is to recover wages.