How to Check Your MOHRE Work Permit & Visa Status in UAE

Anxious about your UAE work visa arrival? Even if you have a single document missing, you may delay the progress for weeks. Getting your UAE work visa delayed may cost you opportunities, time, and money. But in this blog, we will provide you with the insight regarding how to check work permit status in UAE. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) is the go-to resource to follow in this regard.

MOHRE is the governing authority of the UAE, connecting employers with possible candidates in the Emirates. The organization is responsible for creating employment contracts, managing labor laws, and designing programs for the workforce in the UAE.

MOHRE allows you to check your work permit status. Hence, you do not have to rely on age or HR to move to the UAE.

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What is an MOHRE UAE Visa?

In the private sector, consider MOHRE as your passport to employment. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) issues this visa. The purpose of this is to allow expats to legally work and live in the UAE.

As compared to a visit or tourist visa, it is tied directly to your private company’s labor contract. Thus, if you are working in the UAE rather than visiting, you have to approach MOHRE to get your visa issued.

How To Check Your Work Permit Status in UAE

If you want to check your work permit status in the UAE online, then go to the MOHRE website (www.mohre.gov.ae). If you are not registered with MOHRE, sign up first before moving to the next phase.

• After successful registration
• Please sign in and navigate to the “Services” tab
• Here, provide your details such as date of birth, labor card or passport number, and your nationality
• When you have opened the window, you will find information regarding your visa
• The key details include expiry date, validity, name of the company, and job title

Check: Land A Job Seeker Visa Dubai Like A Pro

Alternate Methods to Check Work Permit Status in UAE

If you want to know how to check work permit status using alternate methods, here are a few other sources for that:

• Via ICP (Mostly for Emirates Outside Dubai)

For checking work status and visa records throughout the UAE, except Dubai, go to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Here is the process to follow to check work permit status via the ICP’s portal:

1. Go to https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae
2. Under “Public Services”, click on “File Validity”
3. Select the type of your file: Entry Permit or Residence
4. Enter the number of your file (beginning with 201), date of birth (DOB), and captcha
5. “Search” to view details of your visa (including sponsor information, dates of expiry/issue, and more.

• Via GDRFAD (For Dubai individuals)

If you are based in Dubai and want to know about visa records and work status, go to the GDRFAD portal. Follow this process to know the validity of your work permit via the GDRFAD portal:

1. Type the URL https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae in your browser and visit the website
2. Under the section of E-Services, check “Residence Validity”
3. Fill in the key details for your visa, including date of birth, file number, name, and nationality
4. Hit Search, once you have completed the captcha

You will see key information, including expiry date, your visa type, and the sponsor on display.

Essential Documents for Checking UAE Work Permit Status

Want to get your work permit status checked for the UAE? Before starting the process, first verify that all the required documents are available to you. These include:

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Make Use of the MOHRE Mobile App

If you want to know about your UAE work permit status, you can do it on the go with the official MOHRE mobile app (iOS and Android). Within a few seconds, you can track documents, approvals, and renewals. You do not have to remain glued to your desktop to review your status.

According to DXB apps, as of 2025, the downloads for the official MOHRE mobile app have reached more than 3.5 million times.

The MOHRE mobile app provides real-time updates to help users manage their labor market needs. This app allows people to avoid challenges by delivering important information on job opportunities, visa statuses, and employment rights. The MOHRE app is a useful tool for staying informed about the labor market.

1. Go to your device App Store (Google Play or Apple App Store) and download the MOHRE UAE app
2. Sign in with your UAE Pass or Emirates ID
3. Go to “My Dashboard”
4. Tap on “Work Permit Status” or “Visa Status”

Understanding the Types of UAE Visas (And Who Issues Them)

Not every UAE visa is created equally. The issuing authorities and the rules are different for all kinds of visas. The following is the cheat sheet that lets you know which type of visa complies with your goals. Pro tip: You may end up wasting weeks if you choose the wrong one.

Note: The issuing authority for your visa depends on where your visa is from rest of the UAE = MOHRE/ICP, Dubai = GDRFA.

Read: What Job Seekers Should Know About Working with Dubai Recruitment Agencies?

• Decoding The MOHRE Visa Status

Stuck in limbo while deciphering your visa status from the MOHRE visa status. With this cheat sheet, you can translate every status that confuses you, including “Rejected” or ‘Under Process’ in simple English. This will let you know what are the critical steps you need to take next.

Let’s say you’ve checked your visa, now what does it actually say?

Pro Tip: To avoid legal issues or fines, always focus on grace periods and expiry dates

Processing Timelines: How Long Does a MOHRE Work Permit Really Take?

Most applicants see their mohre work permit status move from “Under Process” to “Approved” in 2 to 5 working days. That’s the standard window MOHRE aims for once a complete file is submitted, and it’s a real improvement: the ministry cut its old 30-working-day cycle down to 5 by reducing the number of required in-person visits from 7 to just 2.

Not every case moves that fast, though. Here’s the breakdown:

• Standard permits (most private-sector office roles): 2–5 working days
• Specialised categories – healthcare, education, legal, or any role needing sign-off from a second ministry – up to 15 working days
• Renewals and category changes: usually toward the faster end, provided the establishment card and quota are in order

If your mohre application status is still sitting at “Under Process” past day 5 on a standard file, that’s your cue to check for a document gap before assuming the worst – see the troubleshooting section below.

MOL vs MOHRE: Why You’ll See Both Terms

If you’re labour card checking online and stumble across the term “MOL,” don’t panic – it’s not a different system. MOL (Ministry of Labour) was the ministry’s name before it was rebranded to MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) back in 2016–2017.

A few things worth knowing:

• The old mol.gov.ae portal has been fully retired; everything now runs through mohre.gov.ae
• An “MOL number,” “MOL ID,” or “MOL approval” mentioned in an older contract or by a third-party PRO is the same reference used to look up your file on MOHRE today
• There’s no separate database to check – a “MOL status” query and a MOHRE labour card status check pull from the exact same record

Bottom line: treat MOL and MOHRE as interchangeable when it comes to your labour card. The name changed; the authority, the file, and the process didn’t.

Pre-Approval vs Final Approval: Don’t Confuse the Two

This is where a lot of candidates – and, frankly, some employers – trip up. MOHRE issues two distinct approvals, and mixing them up can create real compliance exposure.

The critical point: pre-approval is not permission to start working. It’s a green light to bring the candidate into the country – nothing more. Letting someone begin their role on the strength of a pre-approval alone is a compliance risk that can trigger MOHRE penalties for the employer. The job only starts legally once the final work permit and an active residence visa are both in place.

When the Status Doesn’t Update: Troubleshooting Delays

If your status hasn’t budged and you’re past the expected window, work through this in order:

1. Wait 24 hours first. MOHRE’s portal occasionally lags behind internal processing – a “No Record Found” result today can resolve itself tomorrow with zero action needed.
2. Double-check your reference numbers. A single wrong digit in the application or passport number is the most common reason a check labour card status search comes back empty.
3. Read the status notes. Log in and look for a note field flagging missing documents – this is often the real blocker, not a system fault.
4. Rule out quota and card issues. An expired establishment card, outstanding fines, or an Emiratisation ratio below the required threshold will freeze new permits until the employer fixes it – this sits with HR/PRO, not you.
5. Escalate if it’s been 48+ hours with no movement: call MOHRE’s toll-free line, message via WhatsApp, or file a complaint through the MOHRE Smart App.
6. Visit a Tasheel service centre in person if the portal issue persists past two full working days – bring original documents for a supervised resubmission.

Specialised-category permits (the ones running on the 15-day track) will naturally sit longer without update – that’s expected, not a red flag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I check my MOHRE application status without visiting a Tasheel centre?

A: Log into mohre.gov.ae or the MOHRE UAE app with your Emirates ID or UAE Pass, then pull up your transaction number under the enquiry service. It takes under a minute.

Q: What’s the difference between MOL and MOHRE for my labour card?

A: None in practice. MOL was the ministry’s old name; MOHRE is the current one. Your labour card record is identical either way.

Q: My work permit status has said “Under Process” for over a week – is that normal?

A: For a standard permit, no – 5 working days is the target. For a specialised role needing extra ministry clearance, up to 15 days is normal. Past that, contact your employer’s PRO or MOHRE directly.

Q: Can I start my job once I get pre-approval?

A: No. Pre-approval only permits entry into the UAE. You need final approval – issued after your medical test and Emirates ID registration – before you can legally begin work.

Q: What documents do I need for labour card checking online?

A: Your passport number, application/transaction reference, and Emirates ID (if issued). Labour card number if you’re querying an existing permit rather than a fresh application.

Q: Who do I contact if my status is stuck with no explanation?

A: Start with your employer’s HR or PRO, since they can see internal notes you can’t. If it’s unresolved after 48 hours, escalate directly to MOHRE via its call centre or the Smart App complaint feature.

Useful Sources

• MOHRE – Work Permits Official Guidance (u.ae)
• MOHRE – Recruiting a Worker from Overseas
• Gulf News – Can I Cancel My Work Permit If the Employer Delays It?

Final Thoughts

Getting your UAE work visa is a major milestone, but keeping an eye on your MOHRE visa status is just as important. Whether you’re already working or waiting for approval, knowing where your application stands can save you from unnecessary stress, fines, or even job delays.

Also Read: Get To Know About Part Time Work Permit In UAE