UAE Sees 15% Drop in Private Sector Labour Violations in Early 2026
Labour violations in UAE's private sector declined by 15% in H1 2026, with illegal hiring and unpaid wages remaining key issues.
Labour violations within the private sector in the United Arab Emirates decreased by 15 percent during the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre).
Despite the overall reduction, common infractions such as employing workers without the necessary permits, failing to pay salaries through the Wage Protection System (WPS), and submitting inaccurate documents persist as frequent breaches identified during inspections.
Mohre emphasized that private companies must obtain all required approvals before hiring employees and ensure timely salary payments via the WPS. Under UAE Labour Law, employing a worker without a valid permit can result in fines ranging from Dh100,000 to Dh1 million. Similar penalties apply to employers who bring workers into the country without providing jobs or who misuse work permits.
New regulations effective from June 1, 2026, require companies to pay salaries for the previous month by the first day of each Gregorian month. If payments are delayed, alerts are issued starting the second day after the deadline, and from the fifth day, companies face suspension of new work permit issuances until wages are settled.
Providing incorrect documents can also hinder an establishment's ability to obtain or renew work permits. Mohre may refuse, cancel, or withhold permits if companies submit false information or fail to comply with the WPS or other labour market regulations.
The ministry reported a significant 49 percent drop in the number of cases referred to the Public Prosecution, falling from 962 in the first half of 2025 to 490 in the same period this year. This decline suggests fewer serious violations requiring judicial intervention.
Mohre's inspection teams conducted approximately 212,000 visits during the first six months of 2026, utilizing a smart monitoring system that employs artificial intelligence, data analytics, and risk indicators to focus inspections on high-risk establishments and activities.
The ministry stated it will continue enhancing inspection and compliance frameworks and collaborate with employers to encourage preventive adherence to labour laws, aiming to maintain a safe, stable, and competitive work environment.