Quick answer: A MOL enquiry is a check of your UAE labour records — contract, offer letter, work permit or complaint status — that now runs through the MOHRE portal and app, since the old Ministry of Labour (MOL) merged into the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Most enquiries are free using your labour card number, personal number or transaction number; paid printed documents or attestations typically cost around AED 100–300.
Key takeaways
- The Ministry of Labour (MOL) was renamed MOHRE — all MOL enquiry services moved to mohre.gov.ae and the MOHRE app.
- You can check your labour contract, offer letter, work permit and complaint status online for free.
- You need your labour card number, personal number, or transaction number to run most enquiries.
- Employers must file contracts through MOHRE — mismatches between your offer letter and signed contract are a common, fixable problem.
- Setting up a company? Your MOHRE establishment card is what lets you issue employee work permits.
What is a MOL enquiry?
A MOL enquiry is any online check of your UAE labour records — your employment contract, job offer, work permit, or the status of a labour complaint — held by the government's labour authority. The term comes from the old Ministry of Labour (MOL), which was restructured and renamed the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). So while people still search for "MOL enquiry," the service itself now lives entirely within MOHRE's systems.
If you are an employee, a MOL enquiry lets you confirm exactly what your employer registered with the government — which matters because your legal rights are tied to the signed, MOHRE-registered contract, not a WhatsApp message or a verbal promise. If you are an employer or business owner, the same portal is where you issue work permits, register contracts and manage your workforce.
Where did the old MOL portal go?
The old MOL portal moved into MOHRE — the same services now run through mohre.gov.ae, the MOHRE smartphone app, and approved typing centres (Tas-heel). There is no separate "Ministry of Labour" website anymore; any link claiming to be the old MOL site now redirects to MOHRE or is outdated.
This change is more than a rebrand. MOHRE now handles the full labour lifecycle: quota approvals, work permits, offer letters, employment contracts, wage protection (WPS), and labour dispute complaints. For newcomers, this is the single most important labour authority to understand before you hire anyone or accept a job offer in the UAE.
If part of your process also touches immigration — visa stamping, entry permits and status changes — that runs through a separate but connected system. We cover it in our guide to ICP Smart Services and the e-Channel registration process.
How do I run a MOL enquiry through MOHRE?
You run a MOL enquiry by opening the MOHRE portal or app, choosing the enquiry service you need, and entering an identifier such as your labour card number or transaction number. Most status checks are instant and free.
Here is the step-by-step process:
- Go to mohre.gov.ae or open the MOHRE app (available on iOS and Android).
- Select the enquiry type — for example "Labour Contract," "Work Permit," "New Work Permit Application Status," or "Complaint Status."
- Enter your identifier. This is usually your labour card number, personal number (found on your work permit), or the transaction number your employer or typing centre gave you.
- Add your date of birth or nationality if the system asks, to verify identity.
- View the result on screen. You can see contract details, permit validity, and application progress.
- Request a printed/attested copy if you need an official document — this is where a small fee applies.
For most people this takes under five minutes. If you cannot find your identifiers, your employer's PRO or a typing centre can retrieve them quickly.
What can you actually check with a MOL enquiry?
You can check the four things employees most often need: your registered labour contract, your original job offer, your work permit status, and any open labour complaint. Each has a dedicated enquiry on MOHRE.
- Labour contract enquiry — confirms the exact terms MOHRE has on file: salary, job title, contract type (limited/unlimited is now a single unified fixed-term model), and duration. Always compare this to what you were promised.
- Offer letter enquiry — the offer letter must be signed before the contract is issued. Checking it ensures the salary and role you accepted match what was submitted.
- Work permit status — shows whether your permit is being processed, approved, active, or expired. Essential when changing jobs.
- Complaint / case status — if you have filed a labour dispute, you can track its stage without visiting an office.
A frequent, fixable issue: your offer letter says AED 12,000 but the registered contract says AED 8,000. A MOL enquiry surfaces this before it becomes a payroll or end-of-service dispute.
MOL enquiry types and typical costs
Most enquiries are free; you only pay when you need official printed or attested documents, or when your employer processes a transaction on your behalf. Here are realistic 2026 ranges.
| Service | Where | Typical cost (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Online contract / permit status check | MOHRE portal or app | Free |
| Complaint / case status check | MOHRE portal or app | Free |
| Printed labour contract copy | Typing centre / MOHRE | 100 – 200 |
| Contract attestation / amendment | MOHRE | 100 – 300 |
| New work permit (employer-paid) | MOHRE | 250 – 3,500+ (varies by category & company classification) |
| Establishment card (for new companies) | MOHRE | 300 – 700 |
Figures are approximate 2026 ranges and vary by company classification, skill category and free zone vs mainland. Always confirm current fees on MOHRE before paying.
MOL enquiry checklist: what you need
Before you start, have these ready to avoid dead ends:
- Labour card number or personal number (on your work permit)
- Transaction number (from your employer or typing centre)
- Emirates ID number (for identity-linked services)
- Passport number and nationality
- Date of birth matching your official records
- UAE mobile number registered with MOHRE (for OTP verification)
If you are checking your own Emirates ID status at the same time, keep that reference handy too — the two systems are separate but often needed together during onboarding.
MOL enquiry for employers and business owners
For employers, the MOL enquiry side of MOHRE is where you build and manage your workforce legally — from your establishment card to individual work permits and contracts. You cannot legally employ staff in the UAE without registering the company and each employee through MOHRE.
The sequence usually looks like this: form the company and obtain your trade licence, get your MOHRE establishment card, apply for a labour quota, then issue work permits and offer letters for each hire, followed by residence visas through immigration. It is a coordinated process, and getting the order right saves weeks.
This is exactly where a business setup consultant earns their fee. Whether you are launching a mainland company in Dubai or a free zone company, the labour and immigration steps run in parallel with your licence. Our PRO services team handles MOHRE filings, work permits and renewals to help keep your records accurate and your enquiries returning matching results — and if you want the full picture on hiring compliance, see our guide to MOHRE enquiry services in the UAE.
If you are still deciding on structure, our comparison of mainland vs free zone explains how each affects your hiring rules and costs.
Common MOL enquiry problems and how to fix them
The most common problem is a mismatch between your offer letter, your signed contract, and reality — and it is usually fixed by amending the contract through MOHRE, not by arguing informally. If your registered salary, job title, or contract dates are wrong, request a contract amendment through your employer's PRO or a typing centre.
Other frequent issues:
- "No records found" — you likely entered the wrong identifier, or the permit is still being processed. Wait 24–48 hours after submission and retry.
- Expired work permit showing active — data can lag; confirm with your PRO before travelling or changing jobs.
- Complaint stuck at one stage — labour cases move through mediation before court referral; the status page shows the current step, but you can call MOHRE on 600 590 000 for clarity.
FAQ
Is MOL enquiry the same as MOHRE enquiry?
Yes — they are the same thing under different names. The Ministry of Labour (MOL) was renamed and restructured into the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), so every "MOL enquiry" now runs through the MOHRE portal and app. Older links and search terms still say MOL, but the live service is entirely MOHRE.
How can I check my labour contract in the UAE?
Go to mohre.gov.ae or the MOHRE app, select the labour contract enquiry, and enter your labour card number, personal number, or transaction number. The registered contract details — salary, job title, and duration — appear on screen instantly and free of charge. Compare them against your signed offer letter to confirm everything matches.
How much does it cost to run a MOL enquiry?
Running an online MOL enquiry through MOHRE is free for status checks of your contract, work permit, or complaint. You only pay when you need an official printed or attested document, which typically costs around AED 100–300 depending on the service and whether you use a typing centre. Employer transactions like new work permits carry separate government fees.
Can I check my work permit status without an employer?
Yes, you can check your own work permit status directly on the MOHRE portal or app using your personal number or transaction number — you do not need your employer to log in for you. This is especially useful when you are changing jobs or want to confirm your permit is active before signing a new contract.
What do I need to file a MOHRE labour complaint?
To file a MOHRE labour complaint you need your Emirates ID, your labour/personal number, your employer's details, and a clear summary of the issue such as unpaid wages or contract breach. You can start the complaint through the MOHRE app, portal, or by calling 600 590 000, then track its status online through the same complaint enquiry.
Do I need MOHRE registration to hire staff for my new company?
Yes — before hiring anyone, your company must be registered with MOHRE and hold a valid establishment card, which is what allows you to issue work permits and register employment contracts. This runs alongside your trade licence and immigration setup, so most business owners handle all three together with a PRO or business setup consultant.
Setting up a company in the UAE and want your MOHRE, labour and visa filings handled correctly from the start? DBM has helped form over 1,000 companies with a 5.0-star rating from 120+ clients. Book a free consultation via our contact page or message us on WhatsApp at +971 50 504 6228 — we will map out your licence, work permits and visas in one clear, cost-transparent plan.