The Abu Dhabi Labour Court is a dedicated legal division under the UAE Judicial Department that handles employment-related disputes such as:
Unpaid salaries
Wrongful termination
Visa cancellations without final settlement
End-of-service gratuity issues
Contract disputes
Whether you are an employee or HR representative, it’s essential to understand how to legally resolve a labour issue in Abu Dhabi through the proper process in 2025.
Abu Dhabi Labour Court Your Path to Success 2025
Who Can File a Case?
You can file a case in Abu Dhabi Labour Court if you are:
An employee working in Abu Dhabi (mainland or free zone)
A domestic worker, support staff, or laborer
A company or HR manager responding to a claim
A terminated staff member seeking compensation
A person on visit visa who worked illegally and wasn’t paid
The court also hears appeals and disputes related to MOHRE decisions, so both local and expat workers are protected.
Most Common Reasons for Filing a Case
Abu Dhabi Labour Court:
Salary not paid for 2+ months
Employer terminated contract without gratuity
Final settlement withheld
Visa not cancelled properly
Threats, abuse, or forced resignation
Non-renewal without notice
How to File a Complaint in Abu Dhabi Labour Court (2025)
Let’s walk through the steps to file your case.
Step 1: Submit a Complaint to MOHRE (Pre-Court Step)
Before going to court, employees MUST submit a complaint to:
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
Via the MOHRE website, TASHEEL centers, or MOHRE App
Provide:
Emirates ID or passport copy
Contract copy
Salary proof (bank statements, WPS)
Complaint summary
A MOHRE officer will call both parties to try to resolve the dispute in 14 working days.
Step 2: Get a Referral Letter to Labour Court
If no settlement is reached, MOHRE will:
Issue a referral letter to Abu Dhabi Labour Court
Include summary of complaint and findings
You need this letter to proceed legally.
Step 3: Register the Case in Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD)
Visit the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) in person or online:
🌐 https://www.adjd.gov.ae
Steps:
Submit your MOHRE referral letter
Provide complaint details in Arabic
Pay court fees (waived for amounts under AED 100,000)
Receive a case number and court hearing date
📍 Location: Abu Dhabi Judicial Complex – Labour Court Hall
🕐 Timing: Sunday to Thursday, 8 AM – 2 PM
Step 4: Attend the Labour Court Hearing
During the hearing:
You’ll present documents, salary slips, WhatsApp chats, etc.
The employer can present counter-evidence
Both sides may bring a legal representative or translator
Verdict is usually issued within 2–4 weeks unless the case is complex.
Step 5: Verdict and Enforcement
Once judgment is given:
The employer is legally obligated to pay within 15 days
The court can freeze company bank accounts, stop new visa quotas, or suspend licenses
In serious cases, penalties and jail time may be applied
Documents Required for Labour Court
| Required Document | Description |
|---|---|
| MOHRE Referral | Official transfer letter |
| Emirates ID & Passport Copy | Identification |
| Labour Contract Copy | Job terms proof |
| Bank Salary Statement | WPS compliance proof |
| Screenshots / Emails | Misconduct or unpaid work |
| Visa / Emirates ID copy | Immigration status |
What Can HR or Employers Do?
If you’re an HR manager or employer:
Respond promptly to MOHRE communication
Avoid ignoring salary complaints
Try to settle disputes early to avoid court
Use Mahad HRC to manage legal HR issues and PRO coordination
What Happens If You Lose the Case?
For Employers:
Pay full amount plus possible fines
Face WPS and immigration blocks
Lose future hiring approvals
For Employees:
May lose gratuity if proved guilty of misconduct
May face bans if false claims are filed
Mahad HRC: Your Partner for Labour Compliance
Abu Dhabi Labour Court: At Mahad HRC, we help both sides resolve labour issues legally and professionally.
We assist with:
MOHRE complaint drafting and submission
Labour court document preparation
Final settlement calculations
WPS compliance audits
Negotiating out-of-court settlements
Whether you’re an expat worker or a UAE employer, we make labour law simple, compliant, and efficient.
Key Takeaways
| Topic | Summary |
|---|---|
| First Step | File complaint with MOHRE |
| Next Step | MOHRE refers to Labour Court |
| Platform | adjd.gov.ae |
| Fees | Free under AED 100,000 disputes |
| Timing | 2–4 weeks for verdict |
| Enforcement | Mandatory by UAE law |
| Help | Mahad HRC offers full support |
Conclusion
Knowing how to approach the Abu Dhabi Labour Court is essential for resolving salary disputes, unfair dismissals, and contract violations. In 2025, UAE law protects both employers and employees but only if you follow the process.
Don’t let a labour issue affect your business or future job prospects. Trust Mahad HRC to guide you through every legal and HR step.