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 Labor 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 labor 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.
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?
How to get your labor card number
More than being a work permit, a UAE labor card has immense significance. 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 it 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.
- 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).
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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