Ministry of Human Resources UAE
- Founded
- 2004-01-01 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Headquarters
- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) is the federal authority responsible for regulating the UAE labour market, developing workforce policies, and driving Emiratisation—a national strategy to increase Emirati participation in the private sector. Established in 2004 as the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, it was renamed in 2016 to reflect a broader mandate under UAE Vision 2021. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, MoHRE enforces Federal Labour Law, administers the Wage Protection System (WPS), and issues work permits for the private sector across all seven emirates. The ministry operates through four pillars: Labour Market Regulation, Workforce Development, Worker Protection, and Economic Development. It delivers over 100 digital services via its website, mobile app, Tasheel centres, and call centres, serving employers, employees, and job seekers. MoHRE also leads the national Emiratisation agenda through programmes such as Nafis, which offers training and wage subsidies, and enforces mandatory quotas for Emirati employment. Recent reforms include the removal of the No Objection Certificate requirement and the introduction of fixed-term contracts, positioning the ministry as a key driver of labour market modernisation in the UAE.
Detailed Review
Mandate and Operations
MoHRE’s responsibilities are structured around four core areas. Labour Market Regulation includes enforcement of employment contracts, dispute resolution, licensing recruitment agencies, and issuing work permits. Workforce Development covers skills training, workforce planning, job placement, and partnerships with educational institutions. Worker Protection involves administering the Wage Protection System (WPS), ensuring occupational health standards, and enforcing employment rights. Economic Development supports the UAE’s diversification by promoting flexible labour policies and attracting skilled talent.
Key Programmes and Platforms
- Wage Protection System (WPS): A digital platform that tracks salary payments to ensure timely and full disbursement, linked to the UAE Central Bank. - Tasheel Service Centres: Physical and electronic service hubs where employers and workers can process work permits, contract renewals, and other transactions. - Nafis Programme: A national initiative providing training, wage subsidies, and job placement support for Emiratis in the private sector. - MOHRE Mobile App: Offers over 100 smart services including contract validation, work permit applications, and grievance filing, available 24/7. - Labour Claims and Advisory Centre: Hotline (80084) for dispute resolution and legal advice.
Recent Developments (2020–2025)
The ministry led emergency labour policies during the COVID-19 pandemic and introduced sweeping reforms under Federal Labour Law No. 33 of 2021. It removed the No Objection Certificate (NOC) requirement for job changers, transitioned to fixed-term contracts, and expanded WPS to domestic workers. In 2025, MoHRE reported a 12.4% growth in the UAE workforce, driven by new business formation and Emiratisation compliance. The ministry also partnered with e& money to streamline wage protection for domestic workers.
Digital Transformation
Over 100 services are available through the MoHRE website, mobile app, Tasheel centers, call centres (600590000), and WhatsApp service. The ministry migrated to Microsoft 365 E5, boosting productivity by 20% and strengthening security.
International Engagement
MoHRE collaborates with the International Labour Organization (ILO), UN Women, and GCC Labour Councils to promote ethical recruitment and international labour standards.
Strategic Plan (2023–2025)
Focuses on AI-driven labour market analytics, sustainability initiatives, digital service expansion, and workforce adaptation for Industry 4.0.
Key Products
Wage Protection System (WPS)
A digital system that monitors salary payments to ensure employers pay wages on time and in full; linked to the UAE Central Bank.
Tasheel Service Centres
Network of physical and electronic centres for processing work permits, contract renewals, and other labour-related transactions.
Nafis Programme
National Emiratisation initiative offering training, wage subsidies, and job placement for UAE nationals in the private sector.
MOHRE Mobile App
Smart application providing over 100 services including contract validation, work permit applications, and grievance submission.
Labour Claims and Advisory Centre
Hotline (80084) offering legal advice and dispute resolution for workers and employers.
Call Centre (600590000)
Centralised customer service for all ministry inquiries and transactions.
WhatsApp Service
Digital channel for service delivery and customer support.
Key Persons
- Dr. Abdulrahman Abdulmannan Al Awar
Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation