In UAE employment disputes, the work permit is often as important as the written offer letter. The permit type, MOHRE contract, salary, job title, and actual work performed can affect termination, final settlement, gratuity, work status, and complaint strategy.

UAE Government guidance states that it is illegal to work in the UAE without a valid work permit issued by MOHRE. The UAE system also recognises different permit and work models, including full-time, part-time, temporary, flexible, remote, and mission-work arrangements.

Employees should check whether the MOHRE contract matches the real salary, title, work model, and start date. Employers should ensure the permit type reflects the actual relationship. A mismatch can become evidence in a dispute, especially where one side says the person was not a full-time employee, the start date is different, or the permit ended after the contract.

Common disputes include unpaid work before permit issuance, a part-time permit used for full-time work, mismatch between offer and MOHRE contract, or confusion between labour-card expiry and contract end date.

If your work permit does not match your actual employment, get legal advice before resigning, signing a settlement, or filing a complaint.

This article is general information only.