In the UAE, your Labour Card (now primarily a digital Work Permit) and your Residency Visa are two separate documents issued by different authorities. While the Residency Visa is issued by the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship), the Work Permit is issued by MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation).
If your visa has been updated but your Labour Card is not, your employment is technically not fully compliant, which can lead to fines and administrative blocks. Here is the detailed breakdown of what to do.
1. Verify the Current Status
Before taking action, confirm whether the update is actually missing or just delayed in the system.
- Check via MOHRE App: Download the MOHRE UAE app and log in using your UAE Pass. Look under "My Dashboard" to see your current Work Permit details.
- Check via Website: Visit the MOHRE official portal and use the "Inquiry Services" to search for your Electronic Work Permit.
- Identify the Discrepancy: Check if the job title, salary, or expiry date matches your new visa/contract. If the status says "Expired" or shows your old company/details, it has not been updated.
2. Why It Must Be Updated
Having an outdated Labour Card while holding a new visa creates several risks:
- Fines for the Employer: Companies face a fine of AED 200 per month (up to a maximum of AED 2,000) for failing to renew or update a Work Permit within 60 days of its expiry or a status change.
- WPS Issues: The Wages Protection System (WPS) is linked to your Labour Card. If the card is not updated or is expired, the company may be blocked from processing your salary through the system.
- Legal Protection: Your Work Permit is the primary document used by MOHRE to resolve labor disputes. If the details are wrong, it can complicate claims for end-of-service benefits or unpaid wages.
3. Steps to Take (Action Plan)
Step 1: Follow up with the PRO/HR
The update of the Labour Card is the sole responsibility of the employer.
- Ask for the Transaction Number (MB Number) for the Work Permit renewal or modification.
- Ensure they have submitted the "Modification of Work Permit" or "Renewal" application on the MOHRE portal.
- If you have changed your job title or salary during the visa change, a new Employment Contract must be signed and uploaded to the MOHRE system first.
Step 2: Ensure the Contract is Signed
The Work Permit cannot be updated until the new MOHRE contract is digitally signed by both you and the employer. Ensure you have received a link (usually via SMS or Email) to sign your contract through the MOHRE website or a TAS’HEEL center.
Step 3: Formal Request to the Employer
If the company is stalling, send a formal email or letter stating that your Work Permit is currently invalid. Mention that this is a violation of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (The UAE Labour Law) and is causing you legal concern regarding your work status and salary.
Step 4: Contact MOHRE (The Final Resort)
If the employer does not rectify the situation within a reasonable timeframe (usually 14 days):
- Call 600-590-000: The official MOHRE helpline.
- File an Inquiry: Inform them that your residency is updated but your Work Permit remains outdated despite your requests to the employer.
- Visit a TAS’HEEL Center: You can visit a center with your Emirates ID to get a printed status report of your Work Permit, which you can then present to your HR as proof that the update is missing.
Important Reminders
- Golden Visa Holders: If you have moved to a Golden Visa, your company must still issue/update a "Work Permit for Golden Visa Holders." You cannot work for a company without this permit, even if your residency is self-sponsored.
- Costs: Under UAE law, the employee should never pay for the issuance or renewal of their Labour Card or Work Permit. All fees (modification, renewal, or fines) are the employer's legal obligation.
