The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation released its inspection data for the first half of 2026 on September 9, 2026. The report indicates a 15 percent decline in labour law violations within private sector establishments. Serious cases referred to Public Prosecution decreased by 49 percent to 490, compared to 962 during the same period in 2025. The ministry conducted approximately 212,000 inspections, utilizing smart monitoring to focus on high-risk companies. * 15 percent decline in labour law violations in the private sector * Serious cases referred to Public Prosecution decreased by 49 percent to 490 * 212,000 inspections conducted using smart monitoring for high-risk companies
Despite the overall decline, illegal hiring, failure to pay or delaying salaries via the Wage Protection System, and the submission of false data or documents remain the primary offences.
Illegal hiring or bringing workers into the country without providing work carries fines ranging from Dh100,000 to Dh1 million.Under Ministerial Resolution No. 0340 of 2026, which took effect in June 2026,
salaries are due on the 1st of every Gregorian month. Companies must transfer at least 85 percent of total wages on time to be considered compliant. New delay penalties include: electronic alerts on Day 2; suspension of new work permits on Day 5; administrative fines and downgrading to the third category on Day 11; potential MoHRE-initiated labour disputes on Day 16 for companies with over 25 unpaid workers in sectors like construction, transport, security, cleaning, and recruitment; and executive orders, asset restrictions, or travel bans for managers on Day 21.
Workers can report violations via the MoHRE app, website, or by calling the helpline at 600590000. Labour claims may be filed by calling 80084. Reportable issues include unpaid End of Service Benefits, excessive overtime, heat-stress rule violations, illegal worker practices, poor accommodation standards, sexual harassment, forced labour, fake Emiratisation, and denial of annual leave.
