Dubai, as a global business hub, attracts a diverse workforce from around the world. To ensure fair treatment of employees and employers, the emirate has established a robust legal framework to handle labour disputes. The Dubai Labour Court is the primary judicial body responsible for resolving such conflicts. This article provides a detailed overview of the dubai labour court its jurisdiction, procedures, and key considerations for workers and employers.

Jurisdiction of the Dubai Labour Court

The Dubai Labour Court falls under the UAE’s judicial system and is governed by the UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021). It has jurisdiction over:

• Employment disputes between employees and employers
• Unpaid salaries and end-of-service benefits
• Termination and unfair dismissal claims
• Workplace injuries and compensation claims
• Breach of contract disputes

Filing a Case in the Dubai Labour Court

Step 1: Attempting Amicable Settlement

Before escalating a dispute to court, the claimant must first file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). MOHRE attempts to mediate and resolve the issue within 14 days. If no resolution is reached, the case proceeds to the Dubai Labour Court.

Step 2: Submitting the Case to the Court

If mediation fails, MOHRE issues a letter allowing the complainant to file a case in the Dubai Labour Court. The necessary documents include:

• MOHRE referral letter
• Employment contract
• Passport and visa copies
• Salary records (e.g., bank statements, payslips)
• Any relevant evidence supporting the claim

Step 3: Court Proceedings

Once the case is submitted, the court follows these steps:

1. Case Registration – The case is officially filed, and both parties are notified.
2. Preliminary Hearing – The judge reviews the case and may request additional documents.
3. Main Hearings – Both parties present evidence and witnesses.
4. Judgment – The court issues a decision, which can be enforced immediately unless appealed.

Appeal Process

Either party can appeal a judgment within 30 days if the claim exceeds AED 50,000. The case will be reviewed by the Court of Appeal, and in rare instances, it may proceed to the Court of Cassation, Dubai’s highest judicial authority.

Enforcement of Labour Court Judgments

Once a final verdict is issued, the winning party can request enforcement through the Execution Court. Employers failing to comply may face:

• Asset freezing
• Business suspension
• Travel bans
• Criminal charges in severe cases

Key Considerations for Employees and Employers

For Employees:

• Always keep a copy of your employment contract and salary records.
• Report any labour disputes to MOHRE promptly.
• Seek legal assistance if needed to strengthen your case.

For Employers:

• Ensure compliance with UAE Labour Law to avoid legal disputes.
• Maintain proper documentation of employee contracts and salary payments.
• Cooperate with MOHRE and the court to resolve disputes efficiently.

Conclusion

The Dubai Labour Court serves as an essential institution for maintaining justice in employer-employee relationships. With a well-defined legal process, workers can seek fair treatment while businesses can ensure compliance with labour laws. Understanding the court procedures and legal rights is crucial for all stakeholders involved in the workforce of Dubai.