MOHRE fines on employers, blocks and how to object

MOHRE's administrative fines are set by Cabinet Resolution No. 21 of 2020. They are imposed on the establishment, not the worker. Common examples: a work permit not renewed within 60 days of expiry costs AED 200 per month, up to AED 2,000; an employment contract not submitted within 60 days of the worker's change of status costs AED 100 per month, up to AED 2,000; employing someone without a work permit costs AED 2,000 per worker; not paying wages through the Wage Protection System costs AED 1,000 per worker, up to AED 20,000; not reporting a work injury costs AED 10,000 per case; false Emiratisation costs AED 20,000 per national; a malicious or false absence-from-work report costs AED 5,000 per worker. Part of a month counts as a full month.

Unpaid fines, an expired trade licence or serious violations usually block new transactions such as work permits. Some blocked establishments must pay an evaluation (Taqyeem) fee and pass an evaluation before the block is reviewed. Serious violations can also move a company to the third category, which raises permit fees.

Fines can be paid at Tasheel centres, on the MOHRE website/app and, since March 2025, through the call centre 600590000. Before paying a large fine, check whether it was caused by another authority's delay or a system error: the Minister may grant exemptions or instalments in cases set by ministerial decision, and MOHRE accepts a grievance against its decisions within 30 working days of notification, answered within 15 working days; for a grievance against a fine itself, Cabinet Resolution No. 21 of 2020 sets a shorter limit of 10 working days from notification, so act quickly. Note that later laws (for example Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2024) raised penalties for some serious violations, so our staff always check the current amount.