UAE MOHRE Fines and Penalties Reference 2026 — Labour Law Violations
UAE free zone employers can face MOHRE fines for labour law violations. Here is the 2026 reference guide to MOHRE penalties for UAE employers.
In this guide:
Common MOHRE Violations and Fines
| Violation | Fine Amount |
|---|---|
| Employment of worker without valid work permit | AED 50,000 per worker |
| Failure to pay wages via WPS on time | AED 1,000 per employee per occurrence |
| Failure to provide end-of-service gratuity | Can lead to wage claim + penalties |
| Employing worker in activity different from work permit activity | AED 10,000 |
| Failure to report worker absence | AED 10,000 |
| Operating during inspection without licence | AED 50,000+ |
WPS Compliance
- WPS deadline: Salaries must be paid by 14th of the month following the salary month
- Penalty: 1-day WPS delay triggers system flag; repeated violations trigger fines and potential licence suspension
- MOHRE ban: Repeated WPS violations can result in MOHRE ban (unable to hire new staff; new permits denied)
How to Dispute a MOHRE Fine
- Appeal: MOHRE has an appeal process; submit within 15 working days of fine notification
- Legal: Labour disputes can be referred to MOHRE mediation or UAE Labour Courts