Overview
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation serves as the UAE’s principal federal authority for labor market governance. MOHRE’s responsibilities encompass work permit issuance, labor dispute resolution, occupational safety enforcement, private sector Emiratisation targets, and the development of national workforce strategies. The ministry operates a network of service centers across the UAE and manages digital platforms that streamline employer and employee interactions with government services.
MOHRE’s mandate reflects the unique characteristics of the UAE labor market, where expatriate workers constitute the majority of the private sector workforce. The ministry must simultaneously ensure that the country remains an attractive destination for global talent while creating meaningful employment pathways for Emirati citizens in the private economy.
Strategic Role in UAE Vision 2031
Emiratisation is among the most consequential policy priorities in the UAE’s national agenda. MOHRE leads the implementation of mandatory private sector Emiratisation quotas, which require companies above a certain size to progressively increase the proportion of UAE nationals in their workforce. These quotas are supported by financial incentives, training subsidies, and penalties for non-compliance.
Beyond Emiratisation, MOHRE’s labor market reforms aim to increase flexibility, attract high-skilled talent, and modernize employment relationships. The introduction of freelance visas, flexible work arrangements, and enhanced portability of employment contracts reflects the ministry’s efforts to align the UAE’s labor framework with global best practices and the expectations of a knowledge-based economy.
Labor Market Regulation
MOHRE oversees the issuance and renewal of work permits, the registration of employment contracts, and the enforcement of labor law protections. The ministry’s digital systems process millions of transactions annually, covering everything from new hire registrations to end-of-service benefit calculations.
The Wage Protection System, administered by MOHRE in coordination with the Central Bank, ensures that employers pay wages on time and in full through tracked electronic transfers. This system is a critical safeguard for worker welfare, particularly for lower-wage laborers in construction, hospitality, and domestic services.
Emiratisation Programs
MOHRE administers a comprehensive suite of Emiratisation support programs. The Nafis platform connects Emirati job seekers with private sector opportunities, provides salary supplements during initial employment periods, and offers training and career development resources. The ministry also coordinates with the private sector to identify high-potential roles suitable for national workforce entrants.
Enforcement mechanisms include progressive Emiratisation targets tied to company size and sector, with financial contributions required from companies that fail to meet their quotas. These contributions fund additional training and employment support programs, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of investment in national human capital.
Worker Welfare and Protection
MOHRE has strengthened the UAE’s worker protection framework through measures including midday work bans during summer months, mandatory health insurance requirements, improved accommodation standards, and expanded labor dispute resolution services. The ministry operates labor courts and mediation services that provide accessible recourse for workers facing contract violations or workplace grievances.
The ministry also combats irregular labor practices through inspection programs, whistleblower protections, and coordination with law enforcement on human trafficking prevention. These efforts are essential for maintaining the UAE’s reputation as a fair and regulated labor market.
Digital Services and Innovation
MOHRE has digitized the vast majority of its services, enabling employers and workers to complete transactions through mobile applications and online portals. The ministry uses data analytics to monitor labor market trends, identify compliance risks, and forecast workforce demand across sectors. These digital capabilities support faster, more transparent, and more efficient regulatory operations.
Looking Ahead
As the UAE economy evolves toward higher-value sectors that demand advanced skills, MOHRE’s role in aligning workforce supply with economic demand will become increasingly complex and important. The ministry’s success in balancing Emiratisation objectives with the need for global talent, and in protecting worker rights while maintaining employer flexibility, will shape the competitiveness and social sustainability of the UAE’s labor market through 2031 and beyond.