In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), employers are not required to start the process of amending employment contract terms from scratch if changes occur in employee data, such as a salary increase or a change in position. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) provides a means to promptly and securely make adjustments to work permits and employment contracts.
Access to Service and Legal Framework
This service is available through the ministry's website, a dedicated mobile application, and authorized service centers, which simplifies companies' ability to keep employee records up-to-date and comply with labor legislation. The process of modifying employment contracts is regulated by the Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 on Labour Relations, ensuring the protection of rights for both employees and employers.
Conditions for Making Changes
There are specific conditions that applicants must meet. Employees engaged in specialized or licensed professions must comply with requirements established by current legislation. An employer does not have the right to change contract terms, including salary, position, or nature of work, without the explicit written consent of the employee and in accordance with approved MOHRE procedures. All requests to change contract details must be submitted exclusively through the Ministry's electronic systems; any amendments not officially documented and approved by the Ministry are legally invalid.
Enterprise Requirements
When changing professions, the new position must correspond to the enterprise's line of business. Furthermore, the enterprise must hold a valid license without registered violations that could lead to the suspension of its operations under applicable laws. The application for change must be submitted by an authorized signatory of the enterprise. Any condition or agreement that contradicts the provisions of Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 on regulating labour relations will be deemed invalid if it reduces the minimum rights of the employee, unless it provides the employee with more favorable terms.
Service Provision Procedure
The process involves logging into the system using a username and password or via UAE Pass. Then, an application must be submitted through one of the service channels. Federal fees must be paid at the application submission stage. After this, the application is sent to the Ministry electronically for verification of compliance with requirements and documentation. If deficiencies are found, the enterprise is notified to rectify them. After fulfilling all requirements and providing documents, the amendment to the work permit or employment contract is approved, and the contract is electronically endorsed.
Service Channels and Documents
Services can be obtained through a service center, the MOHRE website, the MOHRE mobile application, or through Tawseel—mobile service vehicles that deliver official MOHRE services directly to the client. Required documents include the employment contract, approved by the Ministry and signed by both parties. Academic certificates are also required: for qualification levels 1 and 2, a bachelor's degree or higher is needed; for levels 3 and 4, a technician's diploma or higher; for level 5, a secondary school certificate. For levels 6–9, a certificate is not required. It is important to note that employees earning less than 4000 dirhams per month or who do not have a diploma are not considered qualified. A professional license issued by a competent authority (such as the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Education) is also necessary.
Timeline and Cost of Procedure
According to MOHRE data, the entire process takes two days, after which the client receives notification of the request completion. Applicants can track the status of their applications. Regarding costs, the commission of business centers is limited to 72 dirhams, and federal fees amount to 50 dirhams. When using the MOHRE website and mobile application, the service is provided free of charge, excluding taxes and service charges.
