According to Statista, the employment rate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) could hit 76.42 percent in 2024. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate is expected to remain low at 3.10 percent. And with the UAE economy expected to remain robust in 2024, the country continues to attract talent from around the globe.
Whether you’re an expatriate or a UAE national working in the country, you must have a UAE labor card. In this article, we’ll discuss how to get your labor card number.
What is the UAE labor card?
The UAE Labour Card serves as a work permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) and other authorized organizations (e.g., free zones). Employers have the responsibility to ensure that their employees have valid UAE labour cards. On the other hand, employees must carry a copy of the card or have in their possession the digital version. Ensure that the information on your labor card is error-free and updated.
Understanding the UAE labour card fees is crucial for both employers and employees. These fees vary based on the type of company and include costs associated with obtaining or renewing the labor card.
Note that MoHRE no longer issues physical copies of labor cards. If you want to have a copy of your labor card, you must download it from the MoHRE website and print it yourself.
A labor card has the following information:
- Your name
- Your nationality
- Your profession
- Your employer’s/company’s name
- Your card’s expiry date
- Your personal identification number
- Your labor card number
If you’re an employee, you’re eligible to apply for a labor card if you are within the 18- to 60-year-old age range. You must also clear a medical exam and possess the required academic qualifications for the job. You must also abide by MOHRE rules and regulations.
Read: How to subscribe to the UAE unemployment insurance (ILOE) scheme?
Eligibility criteria for UAE labor card
To be eligible for a UAE Labor Card, both employees and employers must meet certain criteria. For employees, the eligibility criteria include:
- Being at least 18 years old but not older than 60 years old
- Possessing the necessary academic qualifications for the job
- Successfully clearing a medical examination
- Adhering to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) rules and regulations
For employers, the eligibility criteria include:
- Meeting the MOHRE guidelines to avoid issues
- Maintaining accurate and updated employee records, including expired labor cards
- Ensuring salaries align with employee professions and meet UAE regulations
- Stringently following MOHRE guidelines
- Issuing UAE Labor Cards within 60 days of employee arrival
By meeting these criteria, both employees and employers can ensure a smooth process in obtaining and maintaining a valid UAE labor card, which is essential for legal employment in the country.
Required documents for UAE labor card
To apply for a UAE Labor Card, the following documents are required:
- Employee photo
- Valid passport
- Certificate of health
- Copy of employment contract
- Firm license copy
- Signature card copy
The employee photo must meet the requirements for size, color, and clarity, and the passport must be valid and not expired. The health certificate must be issued by a medical center or clinic, and the employment contract must be signed by both the employee and the employer. The firm license copy must prove the company’s legal existence and authorization to hire employees. Having these documents ready will streamline the application process and help avoid any delays.
How to get your labor card number
More than being a work permit, a UAE labor card has immense significance. The UAE labour card number is crucial for employment verification within the UAE. You may need it when filing a salary complaint or applying for certain visas. Your labor card will include all relevant details about you, including your labor card number. In cases where you do not have your physical labor card with you, here are two ways to access your labor card info:
Method 1: Via the MoHRE app
- Download the app and log in using your UAE Pass. If you’re a first-time user, you must create an account first.
- Once logged in, tap your profile to access your employment details, including your labor card number and other labour card details.
- You can also look for “View Labor Card” to see a digital version of your card. This also contains your labor card number.
Method 2: Via a Tas’heel Service Center
- Go to a Tas’heel center near you. These service centers are located throughout the UAE.
- Request assistance checking your labor card number, then present proof of identification (e.g., your Emirates ID or passport number).
- Wait for the staff to give you the details of your labor card. You may also request a printed copy, which will be provided to you after paying a minimal fee (AEd20-25). Compliance with UAE Labour Laws is crucial for obtaining and maintaining your labor card, ensuring both employees and employers meet legal requirements and avoid fines.
UAE labor card fees and expiry
The UAE Labor Card fees vary depending on the type of company, ranging from AED 250 to AED 3,450. The labor card is valid for two years for most employees and three years for government employees. The renewal period matches the initial validity duration, and the renewal process requires the agreement of both the employee and the employer. The labor card must be renewed within 50 days of expiration, and there is a grace period for employees and employers to complete the paperwork and meet the renewal requirements.
Timely renewal is crucial to avoid fines and ensure continuous legal employment. By understanding the fees and expiry details, both employees and employers can better manage their labor card status and comply with UAE labor laws.
Printing your labor card
On the MoHRE website, simply click on the “Services” tab and select “New Inquiry Services.” Then, select the “Choose A Service” option and choose “Print Electric Work Permit” from the menu. Input the required details, including your labor card number. Then, click on the “Search” button. Once your labor card appears, select the “Print” option you can find at the top right corner. Download your own card and have it printed.
Final thoughts
Your labor card serves as your work permit, and it’s often required to perform other transactions in the UAE. For instance, if you want to file a salary complaint, you will need this permit. Therefore, knowing your labor card number and having a digital and physical copy of the card itself is essential.
If you’re a government employee, the card will be valid for three years; otherwise, two years. If your labor card expires, you must renew it within 50 days. Failing to do so may lead to fines and other legal repercussions.
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