A UAE labour card is the digital employment record associated with a worker’s approved work permit and employment details. For private-sector employees regulated by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), it provides important information such as the employee’s name, employer, occupation and labour card or work permit number.
Physical labour cards are no longer the main format used by employees. Labour card and work permit information can now be accessed electronically through MOHRE’s digital services and mobile application. Knowing how to check your labour card number, verify your work permit status and retrieve a digital copy can help both employees and employers keep employment records accurate and up to date.
What Is a UAE Labour Card?
The term “labour card” is commonly used for the employment record connected to a worker’s MOHRE work permit. It identifies the employee within the UAE labour system and helps confirm the employer, occupation and permit details registered with the Ministry.
Employees working under certain free zone authorities may follow the employment and work permit procedures of the relevant free zone rather than the standard MOHRE process.
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Who Is Eligible to Get a Labour Card in UAE?
UAE Labour Card for Employees
For a standard private-sector work permit regulated by MOHRE, the main requirements generally include:
- The employee must generally be at least 18 years old for a standard work permit.
- The employee must have the qualifications or professional approvals required for the position, where applicable.
- The employee must meet the applicable work permit, residency and identification requirements.
- For expatriate employees, medical fitness and Emirates ID procedures may form part of the wider employment and residence process.
UAE Labour Card Requirements for Employers
Employers are responsible for completing the required work permit and employment procedures and maintaining accurate employee information. This normally includes:
- Maintaining a valid establishment licence and MOHRE establishment records.
- Submitting accurate employee, occupation and employment contract information.
- Ensuring the employee’s occupation is appropriate for the establishment’s licensed activity.
- Completing work permit and employment contract procedures within the applicable MOHRE timelines.
What Is a Labour Card Number in the UAE?
A UAE labour card number is an identifier associated with an employee’s labour and work permit record. It may be required when accessing MOHRE services, checking employment information or dealing with certain employment-related applications.
Employees may also come across related reference numbers such as the work permit number, person code or transaction number. These numbers serve different purposes within MOHRE’s systems, so they should not automatically be treated as the same number.
How to Check Labour Card Number Online in UAE
Employees can check labour card and work permit information using MOHRE’s official digital channels. Depending on the service currently available, you may be asked to provide details such as your work permit number, transaction number, person code, passport information or date of birth.
- Visit the official MOHRE website or open the MOHRE mobile application.
- Access the relevant enquiry or employee service.
- Select the labour card, work permit or electronic work permit enquiry option.
- Enter the requested employment or identification details.
- Review the employment and work permit information displayed by the system.
Employees who cannot retrieve their information online can contact the MOHRE call centre on 600590000 for assistance.
How to Check UAE Labour Card Status Online
Checking your labour card or work permit status can help confirm whether the employment record is active and whether the registered employment information is correct.
- Access the MOHRE website or smart application.
- Open the appropriate enquiry service.
- Enter the requested work permit, transaction or personal details.
- Review the status and employment information shown in the system.
If the information is incorrect or a work permit application remains incomplete, the employer may need to review the application or contact MOHRE for clarification.
How to Get a UAE Labour Card?
For MOHRE-regulated private-sector employment, the employer normally manages the work permit and employment registration process. Common documents and information may include:
- Valid passport copy
- Employee photograph
- Signed job offer and employment contract
- Educational or professional qualifications where required
- Approvals from the relevant professional authority for regulated occupations, where applicable
The wider employment process may also involve residence procedures, medical fitness testing and Emirates ID registration for expatriate employees.
Employers that prefer assistance with work permits, labour documentation, visa coordination and government-related employment procedures can use professional PRO services in the UAE to support these administrative requirements.
UAE Labour Card Download
Employees can access labour card and electronic work permit information through MOHRE’s digital channels. The exact options displayed may vary as MOHRE updates its online services, but employees can generally:
- Log in to the MOHRE application using the available authentication method, including UAE Pass where supported.
- Access employee or enquiry services.
- Open the relevant labour card or electronic work permit record.
- View, save or print the available digital record where the service provides this option.
Because labour records are now primarily digital, employees should rely on the latest information available through MOHRE rather than an old physical labour card.
Why Employers Should Keep Labour and Work Permit Records Updated
Incorrect employee details, expired work permits or incomplete employment documentation can create avoidable administrative and payroll issues. Employers should therefore keep employee records consistent across MOHRE documentation, employment contracts, payroll files and other workforce records.
Regular checks are particularly useful when onboarding employees, renewing work permits, changing job details or processing employee exits.
Contact Payroll Middle East
Managing employee records involves more than obtaining a labour card. Businesses must also coordinate payroll, employment documentation, government procedures and ongoing workforce administration.
Payroll Middle East supports employers through professional payroll services and HR services, helping businesses maintain accurate employee and payroll records while managing their workforce more efficiently.
Get in touch with our team to discuss the payroll, HR and employment administration requirements of your UAE workforce.
Looking for Expert Support?
Connect with our experienced team for trusted advice and dedicated assistance. We’re committed to supporting you throughout the entire process.
FAQs Related to UAE Labour Card
Q1. What is a labour card in the UAE?
A labour card is the commonly used term for the digital employment record associated with an employee’s work permit. For MOHRE-regulated employees, it contains important employment and employer information.
Q2. What information does a UAE labour card include?
It generally contains employee identification details, occupation, employer information and labour card or work permit details recorded with the relevant authority.
Q3. Does the UAE still issue physical labour cards?
Labour card information is now primarily available digitally. Employees can access their employment and work permit records through MOHRE’s online services and mobile application.
Q4. How can I find my labour card number?
You can check your labour card information through MOHRE’s digital enquiry services or mobile application. If you cannot retrieve the record, you can contact MOHRE on 600590000.
Q5. Is a labour card the same as an Emirates ID?
No. An Emirates ID is the UAE’s official identity document for residents and citizens, while a labour card or work permit relates specifically to employment information.
Q6. Is the labour card the same as a work permit?
The terms are often used together in everyday discussion, but the work permit is the formal authorisation allowing an employee to work under the applicable employment arrangement. The labour card refers to the employment record associated with that permit.
Q7. Do free zone employees have MOHRE labour cards?
Not always. Employees working in certain free zones may have employment permits issued through the relevant free zone authority rather than the standard MOHRE system.
