Written and edited by the Visa Advice Hub Editorial Team.
Quick Summary
- You can file a UAE labour complaint without Emirates ID using your passport or labour card number at a Tasheel centre.
- Call MOHRE free on 80060 or WhatsApp 600590000 — no Emirates ID required to start a complaint by phone.
- Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, your employer must arrange your Emirates ID within 60 days of your work permit — holding it is itself a violation.
- Philippine, Indian, and Nepali embassies in UAE can support workers who have no identification documents at all.
You need to file a UAE labour complaint without Emirates ID. Maybe your employer is holding your card. Maybe it was never issued. Maybe it expired and your employer has not renewed it. Whatever the reason, you are not stuck — you have several ways to move forward right now.
This guide covers every route available to you, step by step.
Why MOHRE Online Asks for Emirates ID
The MOHRE online complaint portal at mohre.gov.ae uses Emirates ID as the primary way to verify your identity and pull up your employment record automatically. When you enter your Emirates ID number, the system links to your work permit and contract details instantly.
But Emirates ID is not the only way to access MOHRE services. Workers who do not have their card — for any reason — can use alternative routes described below. The online portal is just one channel. MOHRE has four channels, and most of them do not require your Emirates ID upfront.
Route 1 — Call MOHRE at 80060 (Toll-Free)
The easiest first step is to call MOHRE at 80060. This number is toll-free from any UAE phone, including a friend’s mobile. You do not need to present any ID over the phone.
When you call:
- Tell the agent you want to file a labour complaint
- Give your full name, nationality, employer name, and passport number
- Explain the problem clearly — unpaid salary, abuse, illegal deductions, or whatever the issue is
- Ask for a complaint reference number before you hang up
In practice: Phone agents sometimes push you to use the online portal. Be firm and say: “My Emirates ID is held by my employer and I cannot access the portal. I am requesting to open a complaint by phone.” They are required to assist you.
Route 2 — WhatsApp MOHRE at 600590000
MOHRE operates a WhatsApp service at 600590000. This is a fast, text-based route that is useful if you are in a place where you cannot speak freely on the phone — for example, if you are still living in your employer’s accommodation.
Send a message with:
- Your full name
- Your passport number
- Your company name and your job title
- A short description of the problem
MOHRE will respond with instructions and may ask you to visit a Tasheel centre if the complaint requires document verification. Keep the WhatsApp conversation screenshot as a record.
Route 3 — Visit a Tasheel Centre in Person
Tasheel centres are MOHRE-authorised service outlets found in every emirate. They are the most powerful offline route for a UAE labour complaint without Emirates ID because the agent can manually search your work permit using your labour card number or passport number.
What to bring to a Tasheel centre
- Your original passport — this is the most important document
- Your labour card (work permit) number if you have it — printed on your work permit or visible in your old Emirates ID
- Your employment contract or a copy of it
- Any evidence of your complaint — salary slips, WhatsApp messages, photos
The Tasheel agent will look up your employment file and file the complaint directly into the MOHRE system on your behalf. You will receive a printed complaint reference number to keep.
Route 4 — Use the MOHRE Smart App with Passport Login
The MOHRE Smart App (available on iOS and Android) allows login using UAE PASS or passport credentials in some cases. If you have access to a smartphone and your passport details, try creating an account with your passport number and date of birth. Some workers are able to access the complaints section this way when their Emirates ID has not been issued yet.
This route works best for new workers who arrived recently and are still within their first 60 days of work permit issuance.
What If Your Employer Is Holding Your Emirates ID?
This is more common than it should be. Some employers confiscate Emirates IDs alongside passports to control their workers. This is illegal.
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, the employer is legally obligated to process and hand over your Emirates ID within 60 days of your work permit issuance. Holding your card beyond that deadline is itself a MOHRE violation — separate from any other complaint you are making.
When you file your main complaint, add this as a second violation: state that your employer is retaining your Emirates ID. MOHRE takes document confiscation seriously. You can read more about what to do if your employer holds your passport or Emirates ID in our dedicated guide.
What If Your Emirates ID Was Never Issued?
If your employer brought you to the UAE but never processed your Emirates ID at all, this is itself a legal violation. In this case:
- Your work permit number (labour card number) is your primary identifier — find it on your original work permit document
- Your passport number can be used at Tasheel and on the MOHRE phone line
- MOHRE can trace your employment record through the immigration system using your passport details
In practice: Workers in this situation sometimes believe they cannot file a complaint because they “don’t exist in the system.” You do exist. Every worker who enters the UAE on a work visa has a record tied to their passport number. That record is enough to file.
Embassy Assistance for Workers Without Any ID
If you have neither a passport nor Emirates ID — for example, your employer has confiscated your passport — contact your home country’s embassy in UAE immediately:
- Indian Embassy Abu Dhabi: +971 2 449 2700 / Labour Helpline: +971 2 449 2788
- Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) Dubai: +971 4 220 7100
- Embassy of Nepal Dubai: +971 4 220 8816
- Pakistan Consulate Dubai: +971 4 220 0900
- Bangladesh Embassy Abu Dhabi: +971 2 665 5573
Your embassy can issue an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) to replace your passport and can contact MOHRE on your behalf. They have Labour Welfare Officers specifically trained to handle cases involving document confiscation.
Steps to File a UAE Labour Complaint Without Emirates ID
| Step | Action | What You Need |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Call MOHRE 80060 or WhatsApp 600590000 | Name, passport number, employer name |
| 2 | Describe the problem to MOHRE agent | Details of complaint, dates, amounts |
| 3 | If redirected, visit nearest Tasheel centre | Passport + any available documents |
| 4 | Get complaint reference number | Save it — never lose this number |
| 5 | Wait for MOHRE mediation appointment (within 14 days) | Attend in person or by phone |
| 6 | If no settlement, case goes to Labour Court | MOHRE will guide you through this |
If You Are Worried About an Absconding Case
Some workers fear that their employer will file an absconding (exit without permission) report against them while they are trying to file a complaint. If you think this may happen, filing a complaint first gives you strong legal protection — MOHRE will have your side of the story on record before any counter-complaint arrives.
If you already have an absconding flag, read our guide on how to remove an absconding case in UAE before your next step.
Also check whether you have any UAE labour ban check and removal issues on your record — a labour ban can affect your ability to work in UAE again after the complaint is resolved.
Key Document Checklist
- Passport (original preferred, copy acceptable)
- Work permit / labour card number (written down somewhere)
- Employment contract copy
- Salary slips or bank statements showing last payment
- Screenshots of any messages with employer or HR
- Photos or copies of any documents your employer has retained
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a UAE labour complaint without Emirates ID?
Yes. You can file a UAE labour complaint without Emirates ID by calling MOHRE at 80060, WhatsApp 600590000, or visiting a Tasheel centre with your passport and work permit number. Emirates ID is only required for the online self-service portal — not for all complaint channels.
What can I use instead of Emirates ID for a MOHRE complaint?
You can use your passport number, your labour card (work permit) number, or your full name and employer name. Tasheel centre agents and MOHRE phone agents can search for your employment record using any of these details.
Is my employer allowed to hold my Emirates ID?
No. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, your employer must hand over your Emirates ID within 60 days of your work permit issuance. Holding your card is illegal and is itself a violation you can report to MOHRE as part of your complaint.
What if my employer never got me an Emirates ID at all?
Failing to process your Emirates ID within 60 days of work permit issuance is a violation of the law. Report this to MOHRE. You can still file a UAE labour complaint without Emirates ID using your passport number and labour card number — MOHRE can find your employment record in their system.
Can I get help from my embassy if my employer took my passport and Emirates ID?
Yes. Contact your home country embassy immediately. Indian, Filipino, Nepali, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi embassies all have Labour Welfare Officers who handle document confiscation cases. They can issue emergency travel documents and contact MOHRE on your behalf.
Will MOHRE accept my complaint if I call from a friend’s phone?
Yes. The MOHRE 80060 hotline does not require you to call from your own registered number. You can call from any UAE phone. Give your own name, passport number, and employment details when the agent answers.
How long does MOHRE take to respond to a complaint?
MOHRE must acknowledge your complaint within 72 hours. They aim to arrange an amicable settlement within 14 days. If no settlement is reached, the case is referred to the Labour Court automatically. Keep your complaint reference number at all times.
Who This Guide Is For
Workers in UAE whose Emirates ID has been confiscated by their employer, was never issued, or has expired — and who need to file a labour complaint immediately about unpaid wages, illegal deductions, or document confiscation.
Documents to Prepare
| Document | Why You Need It | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Passport (original preferred) | Primary identification — Tasheel agents can search your employment file using your passport number alone | Your own — if confiscated, contact your home embassy immediately for an Emergency Travel Document |
| Work permit / labour card number | Links directly to your MOHRE employment file — faster than passport-only lookup | On your original work permit document, or from your old Emirates ID if you remember the number |
| Employment contract (copy) | Proves agreed salary, employer name, and terms being disputed | Your copy; if you don’t have one, MOHRE can request it from the employer |
| Payslips or bank statements | Evidence for the specific complaint — wage shortfalls, illegal deductions | Your bank app or WPS records held by MOHRE |
| WhatsApp or email records from employer | Key evidence for dispute content — timestamps matter | Your phone — back up to cloud immediately |
| Photos of any retained documents | Proves employer is holding your ID or passport (a separate violation) | Your phone — photograph employer’s safe, cabinet, or any place documents are kept |
What Usually Happens Next
- Call MOHRE on 80060 (toll-free) or WhatsApp 600590000 — no Emirates ID required for either channel.
- Give your full name, passport number, employer name, and describe the complaint clearly.
- Ask for a complaint reference number before ending the call — this is your tracking number.
- If redirected to online portal: visit the nearest Tasheel centre instead, bringing your passport.
- At Tasheel: the agent files the complaint directly into the MOHRE system using your passport number.
- Add ’employer holding Emirates ID’ as a second violation in your complaint — MOHRE treats document retention seriously.
- Attend MOHRE mediation appointment (usually within 14 days). Bring all available documents.
- If no settlement: case referred to Labour Court automatically — MOHRE will guide you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming you cannot file a complaint without an Emirates ID — You can always file using your passport number. Emirates ID is only required for the online self-service portal — not for phone, WhatsApp, or in-person Tasheel routes.
- Waiting to recover your Emirates ID before filing the complaint — File the complaint now, and add the ID confiscation as a second violation. Every day you wait is a day closer to the 12-month limitation deadline.
- Not getting the complaint reference number before ending the call — Without a reference number, you cannot track your case or prove it was filed — always confirm this before hanging up.
- Paying an agent or ‘fixer’ to recover your Emirates ID — MOHRE provides this service free. Fixers often take money and accomplish nothing that you could not achieve by calling 80060 yourself.
- Not contacting your home embassy when your passport is also confiscated — If both passport and Emirates ID are held, you are legally stateless in UAE. Your embassy can issue Emergency Travel Documents and contact MOHRE on your behalf.
- Using unofficial websites to file MOHRE complaints — Only mohre.gov.ae, the MOHRE app, 80060, and authorised Tasheel centres are official. Unofficial websites are scams.
Official Sources Used in This Guide
Related Articles
Legal Disclaimer
Who this guide is for
If your employer cancelled your visa before you could file a complaint — or if you arrived in the UAE and were never registered properly — this guide is for you. It covers migrant workers from South Asia (India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka), Southeast Asia (Philippines, Indonesia), and East Africa who need to file a labour complaint but do not currently hold a valid Emirates ID, whether because it was withheld by an employer, never issued, expired, or cancelled alongside a terminated visa.
What official pages do not explain clearly
The MOHRE website lists the complaint process but assumes you have an active Emirates ID to log in. It does not explain what to do when your ID was confiscated, expired, or never issued — or which alternative identifiers (passport number, labour card number, old UID) MOHRE actually accepts when filing by phone or in person. This guide covers those workarounds.
Documents to Prepare
| Document | Why You Need It | Where to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| Passport (all pages) | Your primary identity document when Emirates ID is unavailable; MOHRE uses passport number to locate your labour file | Your own possession — if withheld by employer, note this as a separate violation when filing |
| UAE Entry Stamp / Visa Copy | Proves you entered legally and establishes the employment period; critical if your residency was never activated | Stamped in your passport on arrival; copies available from ICP (icp.gov.ae) or AMER centres |
| Employment Contract or Offer Letter | Establishes agreed wages, job title, and employer details — the basis of your complaint; MOHRE keeps an electronic copy if contract was registered | Request your registered contract from MOHRE (800-60) using your passport number if you do not have a physical copy |
| Labour Card or Work Permit Number | Links you to the sponsoring employer in the MOHRE system; usable as a login identifier on the MOHRE portal in place of Emirates ID | Printed on the labour card itself, or retrievable via MOHRE hotline 800-60 with your passport number |
| Salary Receipts / Bank Statements | Documents unpaid wages or discrepancies between agreed and actual salary; supports the financial claim in your complaint | Your own records, employer pay slips, or bank statement from your UAE bank or mobile money provider |
| Any Written Communication with Employer | WhatsApp messages, emails, or letters that document your employment, unpaid wages, or the dispute — treated as supporting evidence by MOHRE inspectors | Your own phone or email; take screenshots and back them up before any confrontation with the employer |
| Proof of Employer Identity | Employer’s trade licence number, company name, or establishment card number allows MOHRE to identify and contact the employer even if you have incomplete details | From your contract, pay slips, or the Dubai DED / Abu Dhabi DED business search; MOHRE can also look up the employer using your work permit number |
What Usually Happens Next
- MOHRE logs the complaint and assigns a case number. If you filed by phone (800-60) or in person at a MOHRE service centre using your passport, you receive a reference number immediately. Keep this number — it is how you track everything that follows, and you do not need an Emirates ID to use it.
- A MOHRE mediator contacts both parties within 3 working days. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, MOHRE must attempt amicable resolution first. The mediator will contact your employer and may call you on the number you provided. In practice, many employers respond quickly once MOHRE is formally involved.
- If mediation succeeds, a settlement is signed and your employer must pay within an agreed timeframe. MOHRE issues a settlement document. If wages are owed, the employer typically pays directly to you or via bank transfer confirmed to MOHRE.
- If mediation fails after 2 weeks, MOHRE refers the case to the Labour Court. The referral is automatic — you do not need to file a separate court case. MOHRE prepares the referral paperwork. You will be issued a referral letter that allows you to appear before the court using your passport as identification.
- The Labour Court schedules a hearing, usually within 4–6 weeks of referral. Attend with all documents listed above. If your visa has been cancelled by this point, you may be granted a temporary stay by the court to remain in the UAE legally during proceedings — ask the court clerk about this when you first attend.
- A court judgment is issued and, if in your favour, enforced against the employer. If the employer does not comply with the judgment, enforcement is handled by court bailiffs and can include freezing company bank accounts. In practice, most employers settle before enforcement reaches this stage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming you cannot file without an Emirates ID. This is the most common mistake. You can always file using your passport number via phone or in person. Do not let this assumption stop you from taking action.
- Waiting too long to file. Under UAE labour law, wage claims have a 1-year limitation period from the date the wages were due. Filing promptly protects your full claim.
- Not mentioning withheld documents as a separate violation. If your employer held your passport or Emirates ID, state this explicitly as an additional violation when filing — do not assume MOHRE will infer it from your circumstances.
- Leaving the UAE before the case is resolved. Once you leave, enforcing a UAE labour judgment from abroad is significantly harder. If possible, remain in the UAE until MOHRE mediation is complete or the case is referred to court.
- Accepting a verbal settlement without written confirmation. Any settlement must be documented in writing through MOHRE or the Labour Court. A verbal promise from your employer carries no legal weight once you have left the country.
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Rules can change. Always confirm with MOHRE or a qualified legal professional.