More than 17,000 workers across the UAE filed confidential labour complaints in 2025, reflecting growing trust in the country’s labour rights protection and reporting systems, according to figures released by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
The ministry said the increase in confidential reports highlights a shift in how workers perceive their role in the labour ecosystem — not only as employees, but as active participants in maintaining fair, lawful and transparent workplaces. Confidential reporting mechanisms allow workers to report violations without fear of pressure or retaliation, strengthening accountability across sectors.
Community participation has also expanded, with over 4,000 reports submitted by members of the public to flag labour violations. Authorities described this as a participatory oversight model involving workers, employers and society at large.
Labour awareness remains a key focus area. In 2025 alone, more than nine million workers completed mandatory guidance programmes designed to improve understanding of rights and responsibilities. The ministry currently operates 326 labour awareness and guidance centres nationwide, offering in-person assistance in workers’ native languages.
Digital engagement has grown significantly, with more than three million workers completing self-guided orientation programmes through online platforms. Outreach efforts included millions of awareness messages, phone interactions and digital engagements aimed at strengthening compliance and legal awareness across the labour market.
