The Role of MOHRE in Regulating UAE's Labour Market

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) plays a crucial role in regulating the labour market in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As the primary government body responsible for overseeing employment regulations, MOHRE ensures that both employers and employees are protected by a framework of fair practices and legal guidelines. It is pivotal in shaping the landscape of the workforce, promoting efficiency, and ensuring compliance with the nation's labour laws.

What is MOL in UAE?

Before delving into the ministry’s role, it is essential to understand what "MOL" refers to in the context of the UAE. MOL stands for the Ministry of Labour, the predecessor of what is now known as MOHRE. In 2016, the UAE government officially renamed the Ministry of Labour to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. This change reflected the growing importance of the human resources sector and the government's aim to improve the integration of Emiratis into the workforce.

Thus, "MOL UAE" or "what is MOL in UAE" refers to the Ministry of Labour's former identity, which was replaced to focus more on human resource development and Emiratisation, a key objective of the UAE’s Vision 2021. Under the new name, MOHRE continues the mission of MOL but with a broader focus on national workforce policies.

Key Functions of MOHRE in the UAE's Labour Market

MOHRE’s main role is to regulate and facilitate the employment market in the UAE, ensuring that it operates smoothly and in line with the country's labour laws. These laws are designed to balance the interests of employers, employees, and the state. Below are the key areas in which MOHRE is actively involved:

Labour Legislation and Enforcement

MOHRE establishes and enforces the labour laws that govern the rights and obligations of both employees and employers in the UAE. These regulations cover everything from employment contracts and working hours to leave entitlements and severance pay. By doing so, MOHRE aims to create a fair and transparent environment where both parties understand their responsibilities.

One of MOHRE’s most significant achievements is ensuring that the rights of expatriate workers, who make up the majority of the UAE’s workforce, are safeguarded. This includes protecting them from exploitation, ensuring fair wages, and providing a legal avenue for resolving disputes.

Emiratisation

A core objective of MOHRE is the promotion of Emiratisation, which is the UAE’s strategy to increase the number of Emirati nationals working in the private sector. To achieve this, MOHRE provides incentives for companies that hire Emiratis and implements policies that encourage nationals to seek employment in diverse sectors. This is a key initiative to reduce the reliance on foreign labor and create more opportunities for local talent in various industries.

As part of Emiratisation, MOHRE monitors and regulates the number of Emiratis employed in both the public and private sectors, working to ensure that the UAE’s national workforce grows in alignment with the country’s economic development plans.

Employment Services and Job Matching

MOHRE also acts as an intermediary between job seekers and employers through its employment services. By offering job matching services, MOHRE helps job seekers connect with potential employers. This service is vital in ensuring that the right candidates are matched to suitable job positions, enhancing employment opportunities for both local and foreign workers.

Work Permits and Visas

One of MOHRE’s key responsibilities is regulating the issuance of work permits and visas. The UAE attracts a large number of foreign workers, and MOHRE ensures that they meet the necessary legal criteria to work in the country. MOHRE also plays a role in overseeing the implementation of the Wage Protection System (WPS), which ensures that workers are paid their salaries on time.

The ministry also addresses the legalities surrounding workers’ residency status, ensuring that individuals are not in the UAE under illegal circumstances. This service is essential in maintaining a fair and organized labour market.

Workplace Inspections and Compliance

To ensure compliance with UAE’s labour laws, MOHRE regularly conducts inspections of workplaces. These inspections are intended to assess whether employers are abiding by employment regulations, including working conditions, employee safety, and salary payment. Non-compliance may result in penalties or even the suspension of business activities.

This function is integral in maintaining fair treatment for employees and ensuring a safe and conducive work environment across the country.

Dispute Resolution

One of the most important roles of MOHRE is handling labour disputes. Whether it involves salary discrepancies, unfair dismissal, or issues related to the terms of an employment contract, MOHRE provides mechanisms to resolve disputes between employees and employers. This can involve mediation, arbitration, or even legal action if necessary.

By offering an official channel for dispute resolution, MOHRE ensures that conflicts are settled fairly, preventing the escalation of workplace issues that could damage the functioning of the labour market.

MOHRE’s Impact on the UAE’s Labour Market

The work of MOHRE is crucial to the UAE’s broader economic goals. By ensuring the orderly regulation of the labour market, MOHRE helps create an environment where businesses can thrive while upholding the rights of employees. Its focus on Emiratisation is central to building a more sustainable and balanced economy, reducing the dependence on foreign workers over time.

MOHRE's efforts also ensure that the UAE remains an attractive destination for skilled expatriate workers, creating a diversified labour force that drives innovation and development across all sectors. Additionally, by enforcing workplace safety and fair treatment of employees, MOHRE fosters a more equitable environment that contributes to the overall well-being of the workforce.

Conclusion

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) plays an integral role in regulating the UAE's labour market. It ensures that the labour market is governed by clear and fair rules, while simultaneously promoting the integration of Emiratis into the workforce through Emiratisation. From overseeing the implementation of labour laws and employment regulations to managing dispute resolution and labour inspections, MOHRE remains the backbone of the UAE’s evolving employment landscape. The ministry’s continued efforts will shape the future of the workforce, ensuring that it remains dynamic, diverse, and well-regulated for years to come.