Starting a new job or changing employers in the UAE involves several administrative steps. One important part of the process is ensuring that the work permit application has been submitted, approved, and issued correctly. Employees who do not follow these updates may face confusion about their employment authorisation or the next steps required from their employer.
Fortunately, the UAE provides digital services that allow employees and employers to track employment-related applications. Understanding how these services work makes it easier to verify information and avoid unnecessary delays.
Where to Check Your UAE Work Permit Status
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) manages work permits for many private-sector employees in the UAE. Its online inquiry services allow users to check application progress and retrieve electronic work permit information.
Before carrying out a work permit status check UAE, employees should confirm which type of permit their employer has applied for and which authority is responsible for issuing it. Mainland employment permits generally fall under MOHRE, while free zone companies follow the procedures established by their respective authorities.
The official MOHRE inquiry portal is the main starting point for employees whose work permits fall under the ministry’s jurisdiction. Workers employed through free zone companies may need to contact their respective free zone authority instead.
How to Check Work Permit Status Online
Checking your application online is relatively simple. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the MOHRE inquiry portal
Visit the official MOHRE inquiry website at https://inquiry.mohre.gov.ae/ and select the English language option if required.
Step 2: Choose the appropriate inquiry service
Select Application Status if you want to follow an application that is still being processed. If your permit has already been issued, choose Electronic Work Permit Information.
Step 3: Enter your reference details
Provide the transaction number or other information requested by the selected service. Your employer or company PRO can provide the relevant application reference.
Step 4: Complete verification
Enter the security code displayed on the screen and submit your request.
Step 5: Review the result
The portal will display the available application or permit information. Check the details carefully and save any relevant reference information for future use.
What Do Different Work Permit Statuses Mean?
Understanding the information displayed during an inquiry can help employees know what to expect.
Application Under Process: The application has been submitted and is being reviewed by the relevant authority. Additional processing or document verification may still be required.
Initial Approval: The application has passed an initial approval stage. However, this does not necessarily mean that the final work permit has been issued.
Approved: The application has received the required approval. Depending on the process, further administrative steps may remain.
Issued: The electronic work permit has been issued and the relevant employment authorisation is available.
Rejected or Returned: The application has not proceeded as expected. There may be missing documents, incorrect information, or other issues that the employer needs to address.
The exact wording and available status descriptions may vary depending on the inquiry service.
Can You Check Your Work Permit Through the MOHRE App?
Yes. Employees can also use the official MOHRE mobile application to access available employment services.
Download the application from the authorised app store and sign in using UAE Pass where required. Navigate to the relevant employee or inquiry section to view available employment information.
The mobile application is useful for people who prefer checking their records on a smartphone rather than using a computer.
Keep your UAE Pass credentials secure and avoid sharing verification codes with anyone.
What If Your Work Permit Application Is Delayed?
A delayed application does not always indicate a problem. Processing may take longer when additional documents, employer information, or approvals are required.
If your status has not changed for an extended period, contact your employer’s HR department or PRO. They can review the application reference and determine whether any action is pending.
You can also contact MOHRE through its official customer support channels for assistance.
Employees should avoid making assumptions based only on an application receipt. Wait for confirmation from the relevant authority before treating the permit as issued.
Work Permit and Residence Visa: Understanding the Difference
A work permit and a residence visa serve different purposes in the UAE.
A work permit provides employment authorisation, while a residence visa allows an individual to legally reside in the country for the approved period.
These processes may be connected, but checking one does not automatically confirm the status of the other.
For Dubai residence visa inquiries, employees can use the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) services. For other emirates, visa applications and validity can generally be checked through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
Knowing which authority handles each document helps prevent confusion during employment and residency procedures.
Keep Track of Your Employment Authorisation
Checking work permit information regularly is a practical way to stay informed about your employment records in the UAE. Employees should keep their transaction numbers accessible, review official updates, and communicate with their employers whenever additional information is required.
Using the correct government inquiry service and confirming the final permit status can help make the employment process more transparent and organised.
