UAE Labour Card Explained: How to Check Your Status Online & Understand Its Role
UAE Labour Card Explained: How to Check Your Status Online & Understand Its Role
Learn how to check your UAE labour card online, understand the difference between a work permit and labour card.
A UAE labour card, also referred to as a work permit, is a mandatory legal document issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). It authorises an individual to work legally in the UAE and contains crucial employment information including the employee's name, profession, employer, nationality, and work permit number. Understanding the difference between a labour card and other identity documents is essential for both employers and employees to remain compliant with UAE labour law.
The UAE Labour Card vs Work Permit: Clearing the Confusion
The terms "labour card" and "work permit" are often used interchangeably in the UAE.
- The labour card is the physical or digital document issued by MoHRE once a work permit is approved.
- While a work permit is the permission to work, the labour card is the formal documentation of that permission.
- Employers are responsible for applying and renewing this card on behalf of their employees.
Think of the work permit as the authorisation, and the labour card as the receipt confirming it.
Confusion around these terms can lead to compliance issues, particularly among new SMEs or startups unfamiliar with the UAE labour framework.
Labour Card Essentials: Number, Duration & Content
The labour card includes key employee and employer information that helps regulate legal employment.
- Labour Card Number: A unique identification number linked to each employee’s MoHRE profile.
- Validity: Typically valid for 2 years in the private sector (3 years in government roles).
- Contents: Includes job title, company name, nationality, work permit number, and expiry date.
Your labour card number is needed for various employment services, always keep a digital copy.
How to Check Your UAE Labour Card Online
You can easily verify labour card details via MoHRE’s digital platforms.
Option 1: MoHRE Website
- Visit mohre.gov.ae
- Navigate to: Services > Enquiry Services > "Print Electronic Work Permit"
- Enter passport number, date of birth, or labour card number
- View or print your digital labour card
Option 2: MoHRE App or UAE Pass
MOHRE’s integration with UAE Pass streamlines access to official documents, to access your Labour Card details:
- Download the MOHRE app from iOS or Android stores
- Log in using UAE Pass or registered credentials
- View your labour card under your profile
How to Get a Labour Card in the UAE
Employers must initiate and manage the labour card application process.
Steps for Employers:
- Offer letter submission to MoHRE
- Employment contract finalisation
- Medical fitness test & Emirates ID application
- Visa stamping on passport
- Labour card issuance
Employers should apply within 60 days of the employee entering the UAE on an entry permit.
Employees should ensure their company has completed all steps and request confirmation once the card is issued.
Managing the PRO and visa process in-house can be time-consuming and error-prone, especially for growing SMEs. By outsourcing labour card and visa processing to a trusted HR partner like People Partners, businesses benefit from:
- Compliance Assurance: Navigate evolving MoHRE regulations without internal stress.
- Speed & Accuracy: Avoid delays caused by documentation errors or missed deadlines.
- Scalability: Effortlessly onboard multiple hires or manage temporary staffing needs.
With People Partners’ support, startups and scaling teams gain a seamless, compliant workforce setup while freeing up internal resources for growth-driving initiatives.
Labour Card Status: How to Stay Compliant
Takeaway: Staying on top of your card status ensures legal employment and avoids fines.
- Renewal: Employers should renew 30-50 days before expiry
- Change of Job: Labour cards are cancelled and reissued with new employers
- Expiry Penalties: Fines apply for expired cards—check status regularly
Reminder: Log in to MoHRE app or portal monthly for status checks.
Labour Card Confidence with People Partners
Understanding your UAE labour card status is not just a matter of compliance, it’s a cornerstone of your professional credibility in the Emirates. For SMEs, startups, or growing teams navigating complex labour laws, People Partners offers tailored HR solutions that simplify compliance, ensure accurate documentation, and support your workforce every step of the way.
Need help with labour card management or audits? Reach out to People Partners for expert PRO services and HR support.
A UAE labour card, also referred to as a work permit, is a mandatory legal document issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). It authorises an individual to work legally in the UAE and contains crucial employment information including the employee's name, profession, employer, nationality, and work permit number. Understanding the difference between a labour card and other identity documents is essential for both employers and employees to remain compliant with UAE labour law.
The UAE Labour Card vs Work Permit: Clearing the Confusion
The terms "labour card" and "work permit" are often used interchangeably in the UAE.
- The labour card is the physical or digital document issued by MoHRE once a work permit is approved.
- While a work permit is the permission to work, the labour card is the formal documentation of that permission.
- Employers are responsible for applying and renewing this card on behalf of their employees.
Think of the work permit as the authorisation, and the labour card as the receipt confirming it.
Confusion around these terms can lead to compliance issues, particularly among new SMEs or startups unfamiliar with the UAE labour framework.
Labour Card Essentials: Number, Duration & Content
The labour card includes key employee and employer information that helps regulate legal employment.
- Labour Card Number: A unique identification number linked to each employee’s MoHRE profile.
- Validity: Typically valid for 2 years in the private sector (3 years in government roles).
- Contents: Includes job title, company name, nationality, work permit number, and expiry date.
Your labour card number is needed for various employment services, always keep a digital copy.
How to Check Your UAE Labour Card Online
You can easily verify labour card details via MoHRE’s digital platforms.
Option 1: MoHRE Website
- Visit mohre.gov.ae
- Navigate to: Services > Enquiry Services > "Print Electronic Work Permit"
- Enter passport number, date of birth, or labour card number
- View or print your digital labour card
Option 2: MoHRE App or UAE Pass
MOHRE’s integration with UAE Pass streamlines access to official documents, to access your Labour Card details:
- Download the MOHRE app from iOS or Android stores
- Log in using UAE Pass or registered credentials
- View your labour card under your profile
How to Get a Labour Card in the UAE
Employers must initiate and manage the labour card application process.
Steps for Employers:
- Offer letter submission to MoHRE
- Employment contract finalisation
- Medical fitness test & Emirates ID application
- Visa stamping on passport
- Labour card issuance
Employers should apply within 60 days of the employee entering the UAE on an entry permit.
Employees should ensure their company has completed all steps and request confirmation once the card is issued.
Managing the PRO and visa process in-house can be time-consuming and error-prone, especially for growing SMEs. By outsourcing labour card and visa processing to a trusted HR partner like People Partners, businesses benefit from:
- Compliance Assurance: Navigate evolving MoHRE regulations without internal stress.
- Speed & Accuracy: Avoid delays caused by documentation errors or missed deadlines.
- Scalability: Effortlessly onboard multiple hires or manage temporary staffing needs.
With People Partners’ support, startups and scaling teams gain a seamless, compliant workforce setup while freeing up internal resources for growth-driving initiatives.
Labour Card Status: How to Stay Compliant
Takeaway: Staying on top of your card status ensures legal employment and avoids fines.
- Renewal: Employers should renew 30-50 days before expiry
- Change of Job: Labour cards are cancelled and reissued with new employers
- Expiry Penalties: Fines apply for expired cards—check status regularly
Reminder: Log in to MoHRE app or portal monthly for status checks.
Labour Card Confidence with People Partners
Understanding your UAE labour card status is not just a matter of compliance, it’s a cornerstone of your professional credibility in the Emirates. For SMEs, startups, or growing teams navigating complex labour laws, People Partners offers tailored HR solutions that simplify compliance, ensure accurate documentation, and support your workforce every step of the way.
Need help with labour card management or audits? Reach out to People Partners for expert PRO services and HR support.
FAQs
How to check work permit status in UAE?
To check your UAE work permit status, use the MoHRE app or website and sign in with your UAE Pass. Your current employment details, permit number, and expiry date will appear under “My Contract” or “Work Permit Status.” Employers can also track the status of pending applications using their transaction number on the MoHRE inquiry portal.
How to get labour card number?
To obtain your labour card number in the UAE, your employer must first register you through MoHRE or a free zone system. Once processed, the number is accessible through the MoHRE mobile app or the UAE Pass under the “My Documents” section. You can also request it directly at a Tas’heel center by presenting your Emirates ID or passport.
What is labour card number in UAE?
A labour card number in the UAE is a unique work permit identifier assigned by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation or a free zone authority. It is used to record and track an employee’s legal work status, including contract details, job role, and sponsor information, and is essential for employment verification and legal compliance.
How many days to process employment visa in UAE?
Processing an employment visa in the UAE typically takes 5 to 15 working days, depending on the employer's compliance, document accuracy, and the issuing emirate. Delays may occur if medical tests or approvals are incomplete.
