LABOUR CARD MODIFICATION

In the UAE, the labour card is an essential document that legitimizes the employment of foreign workers. It contains critical information about the employee and their employment status. Sometimes, modifications or corrections to the labour card or labour contract are necessary due to changes in employment details or errors in the issued documents. 

What is Labour Card Modification?

Labour card modification involves updating or correcting the details on an employee’s labour card to reflect accurate and current information. This process can also extend to labour contract modification, ensuring that both documents are consistent and up-to-date.

Importance of Labour Card Modification

1. Legal Compliance: Ensures that the employment records are accurate and comply with UAE labour laws.

2. Avoiding Penalties: Prevents potential fines and legal issues arising from incorrect or outdated information on labour cards and contracts.

3. Accurate Records: Maintains accurate employment records, which is crucial for administrative and legal purposes.

Scenarios Requiring Labour Card Modification

1. Personal Information Changes: Corrections to name, passport number, nationality, or other personal details.

2. Job Title Changes: Updating the job title to reflect promotions, demotions, or changes in role.

3. Salary Adjustments: Modifying the salary information due to increments or adjustments.

4. Employer Information Updates: Changes in employer details, such as company name or location.

5. Error Corrections: Rectifying errors made during the initial issuance of the labour card or contract.

Steps for Labour Card Correction

1. Identify the Required Changes: Determine what specific modifications or corrections are needed on the labour card.

2. Gather Necessary Documents: Collect relevant documents such as the employee’s passport, current labour card, and any supporting documents that justify the modification (e.g., new employment contract, promotion letter).

3. Online Application: Most labour card correction processes can be initiated online through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) portal. Here’s how to proceed with labour card correction online:

   - Log in to the MOHRE portal with the employer's credentials.

   - Navigate to the section for labour card modification or correction.

   - Fill in the required details and upload the necessary documents.

   - Specify the corrections needed and provide any additional information required.

4. Payment of Fees: Pay the applicable fees for the labour card modification. The fee structure can vary depending on the type and extent of changes.

5. Submission and Processing: Submit the application and wait to process the request. The processing time can vary, but employers can track the status online.

6. Approval and Issuance: Once approved, the updated labour card is issued. The employer should download and print the new labour card for their records and provide a copy to the employee.

Labour Contract Modification

In conjunction with labour card correction, it may be necessary to modify the labour contract to ensure consistency and legal compliance. The process for labour contract modification typically includes:

1. Drafting the Modified Contract: Prepare a new version of the employment contract that reflects the updated information.

2. Employee Agreement: Obtain the employee's agreement and signature on the modified contract.

3. Modified Contract Submission: Submit the modified contract to MOHRE for approval, often through the same online portal used for labour card modifications.

4. Approval: Once approved, the updated contract is stored in MOHRE’s records, ensuring that all employment details are current and legally binding.

Labour card modification is an essential process for maintaining accurate and legal employment records in the UAE. By understanding the scenarios that require modification and utilizing the available online services, employers can ensure timely and efficient updates to labour cards and contracts.

This not only ensures legal compliance but also supports the smooth operation of business activities and the protection of employee rights. Accurate and up-to-date labour records are fundamental to fostering a transparent and compliant working environment.