MOHRE
Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation
Definition
Federal ministry regulating private-sector mainland employment. After any trade-license amendment, the new data has to be synced with MOHRE, FTA, banks, and customs before penalties accrue.
Also known as
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
- Ministry of Labour
- Tasheel authority
Attributes
| Type | Federal ministry |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | United Arab Emirates |
| Country | United Arab Emirates |
| ISO country code | AE |
| Regulator type | Employment and labour |
| Scope | Private-sector mainland employment |
What it is
MOHRE — the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation — is the federal ministry regulating private-sector employment on the mainland. It issues Work Permits, sets and enforces labour standards under the UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021), runs the Wage Protection System (WPS), and administers the Emiratisation programme requiring private firms above 50 employees to hire UAE nationals at increasing percentages.
MOHRE is the partner authority for mainland Employment Visas (alongside GDRFA/ICP for the residency side). Free-zone employment is regulated by the relevant zone authority, not MOHRE.
Key characteristics
- Type
- UAE federal ministry
- Mandate
- Mainland labour regulation, work permits, WPS, Emiratisation
- Submission channel
- Tasheel service centres + MOHRE online portal
- Scope
- Mainland only — free zones run their own labour regimes
How it works
- An employer registers their company with MOHRE and receives an establishment card linked to their trade licence.
- The employer applies for a work permit through MOHRE's online portal or an approved Tasheel centre.
- MOHRE reviews the application, checks Emiratisation compliance, and issues an entry permit for the worker to enter the UAE.
- After medical testing and Emirates ID registration, the employment visa is stamped and the labour contract is signed.
- The employer must process salaries through the Wage Protection System and renew work permits before expiry.
Examples
A Dubai mainland LLC hiring five engineers must first meet MOHRE's Emiratisation target for its sector, then apply for individual work permits for each expatriate hire. A construction firm that delays salary payments through the Wage Protection System receives a MOHRE compliance notice and faces potential suspension of new work permit applications until resolved.
Why it matters
Every mainland hire passes through MOHRE — work permit, contract registration, WPS payroll, end-of-service. Free-zone hires don't, but the zone equivalents follow MOHRE-style rules in practice.
Common misconceptions
Misconception
MOHRE regulates all companies in the UAE including free zones.
Reality
MOHRE governs mainland private-sector employers only; each free zone has its own employment regulations.
Misconception
A trade licence alone is sufficient to hire employees.
Reality
Employers must obtain a separate MOHRE establishment card and work permits before recruiting staff.
Misconception
Emiratisation quotas apply equally to all company sizes.
Reality
Emiratisation requirements vary by sector, company size, and skill category, with stricter targets for larger employers.
FAQs
See also
- Work Permit
- Tasheel
- Employment Visa
- FTA(Federal Tax Authority)
For better understanding, see also
- How to Start a Business in Dubai: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide(post)
- How to Get Dubai Establishment Card : Get in One Day(post)
- Types of Business Visa in Dubai | Benefits & Eligibility(post)
- PRO Services in Dubai: Types, Benefits & Complete Guide(post)
- How to Open a Beauty Salon in Dubai: The Ultimate 2025 Guide(post)
- Fabric Production Company in Dubai: Setup Guide(post)
- UAE Company Setup: Subsidiary Guide | Open a Business(post)
- HR Consultancy License in Dubai: Requirements & Guide(post)
- Business Ideas in Dubai 2025: Top Opportunities & Trends(post)
- Real Estate Company in Dubai: License & Requirements(post)
- Dubai Visa Guide 2025: Options for Expats & Entrepreneurs(post)
- Mainland vs Free Zone in Dubai: Which is Best? (2024)(post)
- Dubai Mainland Business Setup: Guide, Trade License & Cost(post)
- UAE Golden Visa Eligibility: Your Gateway to Long-Term Residency(news)
- UAE Visit Visa New Rules in 2026: Every Change Explained(news)
- Dubai Employee Visa Cost in 2026: What Employers Really Pay(insight)
- How to Renew a Trade License in Dubai: Costs, Steps, and the Blockers Nobody Warns You About(post)
- DAFZA Dual Licence: Sell on Dubai Mainland, No 2nd Office(post)
