Written and edited by the Visa Advice Hub Editorial Team.
Your UAE visa was just cancelled — and your employer has gone silent on your unpaid salary or gratuity. You may be wondering whether it is too late to do anything, or whether your visa status means you have lost your rights. The answer is no: you can file a MOHRE complaint after visa cancellation UAE, even from abroad, and recover what you are owed.
Your UAE visa was cancelled. You did not receive your full salary or gratuity. Now you want to file a complaint — but you are not sure if it is too late, how to do it, or what will happen next.
The good news: you still have options. A MOHRE complaint after visa cancellation UAE is not only possible — it is often the fastest way to recover your money. This article walks you through every step.
Quick Summary
- You can file a MOHRE complaint after visa cancellation UAE — even if you have already left the country.
- The deadline to file is within 30 days of the breach (the date payment was due but not received).
- MOHRE must respond within 72 hours and attempt settlement within 14 days of your complaint.
- For claims under AED 50,000, MOHRE can issue a binding decision without needing to go to court.
Can You Still File After Visa Cancellation?
Yes. Your visa status does not stop you from filing a labour complaint. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, Article 54, workers have the right to file a complaint within 30 days of the date the breach occurred. The breach date is usually the date payment was due but not received — which is 14 days after your last working day or visa cancellation date, whichever comes first.
You do not need to be physically in the UAE to file. The MOHRE online portal accepts complaints from workers who are abroad. If you are still in the UAE during your 30-day grace period, filing in person at a Tasheel centre is also an option.
If you are unsure about your rights before filing, read our article on what to do when employer cancels visa without paying for a full picture of the law.
Three Ways to File a MOHRE Complaint
Option 1 — Online at mohre.gov.ae
This is the easiest method if you are outside the UAE or cannot travel to a service centre.
- Go to mohre.gov.ae
- Click Services → Labour Complaints
- Create an account or log in with UAE PASS
- Fill in the complaint form — employer name, amount owed, type of breach
- Upload your documents
- Submit and note your complaint reference number
Option 2 — MOHRE Smart App
Download the MOHRE Smart Services app from the iOS App Store or Google Play. The app supports UAE PASS login and allows you to file complaints, track case status, and receive notifications — all from your phone.
Option 3 — In Person at a Tasheel Centre
If you prefer face-to-face help, visit any Tasheel service centre in the UAE. Staff there can help you complete the complaint form and scan your documents. This is a good option if you have trouble using the online portal.
In practice: Many workers find the online portal straightforward, but if your Arabic is limited, the Tasheel centre staff can often help you in your language.
Documents You Need
| Document | Why It Is Needed |
|---|---|
| Passport copy | To verify your identity |
| Emirates ID (front and back) | Confirms your UAE residency record |
| Employment contract | Proves agreed salary, job title, and terms |
| Last 3 salary slips | Shows what was paid vs. what is owed |
| Bank statements | Confirms salary payment history |
| Visa cancellation letter or screenshot | Establishes the timeline |
| WhatsApp/email correspondence | Evidence that employer knew of unpaid dues |
In practice: If you do not have all of these, do not wait. File the complaint with what you have. MOHRE will contact the employer and can access WPS (Wage Protection System) records directly — which show all salary payment history.
What Happens After You File
72-Hour Acknowledgement
MOHRE must acknowledge your MOHRE complaint after visa cancellation UAE within 72 hours of submission. You will receive a confirmation by email or SMS with your case reference number.
14-Day Mediation Period
MOHRE will contact both you and your employer to attempt an amicable settlement within 14 days. This mediation is free. A MOHRE officer acts as a neutral party. If both sides agree on an amount, the settlement is signed and the employer must pay immediately.
If Mediation Fails
If no settlement is reached within 14 days, MOHRE refers the case to the Labour Court. The court process is also free for workers in cases of wage disputes.
For claims under AED 50,000, MOHRE itself can issue a binding judgment — the case may never need to go to court at all. This makes the complaint process fast and effective for most workers.
What MOHRE Can Do to the Employer
Filing a complaint creates real consequences for the employer:
- The employer can be blocked from hiring new workers while the complaint is unresolved
- The company’s MOHRE compliance rating is downgraded
- Repeat offenders face higher fines and further restrictions
- If the employer ignores MOHRE mediation, the court can impose additional penalties
These consequences give workers meaningful leverage. Employers who rely on regular hiring — construction companies, cleaning firms, hospitality businesses — feel the pressure quickly.
How to Track Your Case
Once you have filed:
- Log in to mohre.gov.ae and go to My Services → Track Complaint
- Use the MOHRE Smart App — the app shows real-time case status
- Call the MOHRE hotline at 800-60 with your reference number
Filing from Abroad — What You Need to Know
Workers outside the UAE can file a MOHRE complaint after visa cancellation UAE through the online portal. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- You may need a UAE PASS account — if yours is no longer active, contact MOHRE directly at 800-60 for guidance on alternative login methods
- If MOHRE schedules an in-person mediation session, you can request it be held via video call or ask for a representative in the UAE to attend on your behalf
- Some workers appoint a UAE-based lawyer or trusted friend to handle the process locally
For a broader look at your employment rights under UAE law, see our guide on UAE contract termination rights.
Common Mistakes When Filing
- Filing too late: The 30-day window from the breach date is firm. Do not delay.
- Wrong employer details: Use the exact company name as it appears on your contract or Emirates ID sponsorship — not a trade name.
- Understating the claim: Include every component — salary, gratuity, leave days, notice pay, allowances. You cannot add items later once the case is filed.
- Accepting a low settlement under pressure: You are not required to accept the first offer. MOHRE will give you time to consider any proposed settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a MOHRE complaint after visa cancellation UAE if I am already back home?
Yes. The MOHRE online portal is accessible from anywhere in the world. File within 30 days of the breach date. You can request remote mediation via video call if MOHRE needs to speak with you.
What is the deadline to file a MOHRE complaint after visa cancellation?
You must file within 30 days of the breach. The breach date is when payment was due but not received — typically 14 days after your last working day or visa cancellation date. Do not miss this window.
How long does the MOHRE complaint process take?
MOHRE must respond within 72 hours and attempt mediation within 14 days. If settled, the process ends there. If it goes to court, timelines vary — but straightforward cases are often resolved within 1 to 3 months.
Do I need a lawyer to file a MOHRE complaint?
No. The MOHRE complaint process is designed for workers to use directly. You do not need a lawyer to file or attend mediation. Lawyers become more important if the case escalates to the Labour Court.
What if my employer is not responding to MOHRE?
MOHRE takes non-cooperation by employers seriously. If an employer repeatedly ignores MOHRE correspondence, the case is escalated and the employer faces additional penalties including hiring bans. Report any non-response directly to your assigned MOHRE case officer.
Can the employer fire me for filing a MOHRE complaint?
Your visa has already been cancelled, so there is no active employment to terminate. You cannot be legally penalised for filing a complaint. The complaint is your right under UAE law and filing it does not create any negative record against you as a worker.
Is there a fee to file a MOHRE labour complaint?
No. Filing a MOHRE complaint is free. If the case is referred to the Labour Court, the court process for wage disputes is also free for workers. You should not pay any third party to file a complaint on your behalf — do it yourself via the official portal.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Rules can change. Always confirm with MOHRE or a qualified legal professional.
Official Sources Used in This Guide
MOHRE — Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
mohre.gov.ae — Labour complaints, wage protection, worker rights, and end-of-service claims.
UAE Government Portal
u.ae — Official UAE government services, visa categories, and residency rules.
ICP — Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship
icp.gov.ae — Emirates ID, residency permits, and visa status verification.