MOHRE Complaint & Labour Dispute Cost Calculator Dubai 2026
Estimate the cost of filing a MOHRE complaint and pursuing a labour dispute in Dubai. Covers unpaid salary, gratuity, and wrongful termination cases.
MOHRE complaints are free to file. If the dispute goes to the UAE Labour Court, court fees are 3.5% of the claim value (min AED 500, max AED 20,000). Legal fees range from AED 8,000–25,000 depending on the case. Simple cases resolve in 2–4 months; contested cases take 6–12 months.
📋 Calculate Your Labour Dispute Cost
⚖️ Estimated Labour Dispute Cost
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Claim Amount: AED 0
Court Fees (Est.): AED 0
Legal Fees (Est.): AED 0
Estimated Timeline: -
Total Estimated Cost: AED 0
📖 How MOHRE Complaints & Labour Cases Work
All labour disputes in Dubai must first go through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). MOHRE offers free mediation. If mediation fails, the case is referred to the UAE Labour Court.
MOHRE vs. Labour Court: Key Differences
| Factor | MOHRE | Labour Court |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | 3.5% of claim (min 500, max 20,000) |
| Timeline | 2–6 weeks | 2–12 months |
| Legal Help | Optional | Strongly recommended |
| Enforcement | Mediation only | Binding judgment |
⚖️ What Costs Are Involved?
1. MOHRE Complaint Filing
Filing a MOHRE complaint is free of charge. You can file online via the MOHRE app or website, or in person at a MOHRE service centre. Mediation is also free.
2. Legal Fees
- MOHRE representation: AED 3,000–8,000
- Labour court trial: AED 12,000–30,000
- Appeal (if needed): AED 10,000–25,000
3. Court Fees (Labour Court)
Court fees are 3.5% of the claim value, capped between AED 500 and AED 20,000. For a claim of AED 50,000, court fees would be AED 1,750.
4. Travel Ban Lifting (if applicable)
If your employer has issued a travel ban against you, lifting it costs AED 5,000–15,000 depending on the reason and complexity.
For urgent labour help, contact our labour lawyers in Dubai.
Step 1: File a MOHRE Complaint
Submit your complaint online or at a MOHRE centre. Bring your Emirates ID, labour contract, and evidence (salary slips, emails, WhatsApp chats).
Step 2: Attend Mediation
MOHRE schedules a mediation session within 2–6 weeks. Both parties discuss a settlement. Most cases resolve here.
Step 3: Referral to Labour Court
If mediation fails, MOHRE issues a referral letter to the Labour Court. You have 14 days to file your case with supporting documents.
Step 4: Court Judgment & Enforcement
The court issues a binding judgment. If your employer doesn't pay, we enforce via the Execution Court — including asset seizure and salary attachment.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
You can file a MOHRE complaint online via the MOHRE app or website, by calling 800 60, or visiting a MOHRE service centre. Bring your Emirates ID, labour contract, and any evidence of the dispute. Filing is free.
MOHRE mediation takes 2–6 weeks. If unresolved, the Labour Court case takes 2–12 months depending on complexity. Simple unpaid salary cases resolve in 2–4 months. Contested cases take 6–12 months. Appeals add another 3–6 months.
Not for MOHRE mediation — you can file and attend yourself. But if the case goes to Labour Court, legal representation is strongly recommended. A lawyer ensures proper filing, evidence presentation, and enforcement of the judgment.
Yes. You can file a labour complaint even if you are outside the UAE. You'll need a legal representative to handle the case. Many of our clients are former UAE employees pursuing claims remotely. Contact us for remote legal assistance.
Employers can only request a labour ban in specific cases: if you resign without notice, breach your contract, or if the company files a complaint. If you face a labour ban, our lawyers can challenge it and have it lifted.
MOHRE representation costs AED 3,000–8,000. Full Labour Court trial costs AED 12,000–30,000. Appeals add AED 10,000–25,000. Costs depend on case complexity and claim amount. We offer transparent fee structures and free initial consultation.
File a MOHRE complaint first. If your employer doesn't pay after mediation, the case goes to Labour Court. Once you have a judgment, we can enforce it through the Execution Court — including bank account freezing and salary attachment.
Yes. If you were terminated without valid reason, you may claim up to 3 months' salary as arbitrary dismissal compensation under UAE Labour Law. Plus your full end-of-service gratuity, unpaid leave, and notice pay. A labour lawyer can help you claim all entitlements.
If MOHRE rejects your complaint or mediation fails, you can escalate to the UAE Labour Court. You have 14 days from the referral date to file. Our lawyers can help you prepare a strong case and represent you at every stage.
💼 Need Help With a MOHRE Complaint or Labour Dispute?
Whether you're facing unpaid salary, wrongful termination, or a labour ban, our labour lawyers in Dubai can help you recover what you're owed.
