Visit your zone’s official portal, such as DDA, DMCC, or ADGM, to check your Free Zone labour contract in the UAE. Log in using your visa or passport number. On the other hand, contact your HR department for access. Make sure your contract has accurate job details and complies with UAE Labour Law.
What is Free Zone Labour Contract?
A Free Zone Labour Contract is a formal employment agreement issued and regulated by a UAE Free Zone Authority instead of the MOHRE. It outlines the terms of employment for individuals working within designated Free Zones like DAFZA, JAFZA, or DMCC.
Free Zone Vs Mainland Contracts
Feature | Free Zone Contract | Mainland Contract (MOHRE) |
Governing Authority | Free Zone Authority | MOHRE (Federal UAE Labour Law) |
| Sponsorship | By Free Zone Authority | By Employer |
Dispute Resolution | Free Zone-specific procedures | MOHRE and UAE Labour Courts |
| Contract Format | Zone-specific templates | MOHRE-approved standard format |
| Legal Framework | Zone regulations + Federal Law (if applicable) | Federal Labour Law only |
Employers do not sponsor their employees directly. Each zone has its unique employment law, which are usually different from federal standards.
Role of Free Zone Authority & Employer
Free Zone Authority issues and approves employment contracts. It also manages visa sponsorships and enforces zone-specific labour rules. On the other hand, employers draft the contract within the zone’s framework. These people handle payroll, benefits, and day-to-day HR obligations. Remember, the authority acts as a regulatory intermediary and ensures compliance. The purpose is to protect both parties under its jurisdiction.
The Importance of Checking Your Labour Contract
Checking your Free Zone labour contract is important because it helps confirm that your job title, salary, and benefits match what your employer originally promised. It also ensures that important details like your start date, end date, and visa information are correct.
In addition, a valid contract is necessary if you want to renew your visa, resign properly, or raise any legal disputes. Most importantly, reviewing the contract makes sure your employment terms follow both Free Zone rules and UAE labour laws, especially with recent changes in regulations.
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How to Check Your Free Zone Labour Contract Online
The zone’s own portal manages your contract if you are working in a UAE Free Zone. MOHRE has nothing to do with it. Here are the steps to check your Free Zone Labour Contract online:
Step 1: Identify your Free Zone. Common examples include ADGM, SHAMS, DAFZA, DMCC, DDA, and RAKEZ
Step 2: Visit the Free Zone’s official portal. Each zone has its own employee services website. For instance:
Step 3: Log in using your credentials. You will need your passport number, visa number, or Emirates ID. Some portals require a registered email or mobile number.
Step 4: Go to Employment or Contract Section and look for options like “Contract Details,” “Employment Record,” or “My Profile.”
Step 5: View or download your contract. Here, you will see your job title, salary, start date, and other important details. You can also save a copy of your records.
If you are not sure where to start, ask your HR department or PRO services for the correct portal link and login method. Moreover, if your Free Zone does not offer online access, you can request a copy directly from HR or the zone authority.
What to Check in Your Free Zone Labour Contract
- Job title: It must show your actual role and match visa designation.
- Salary and benefits: Check fixed monthly wages, allowances (housing, transport, etc.,) and bonus conditions.
- Start and end date: Confirm probation period length and contract renewal terms.
- Gratuity provisions: Confirm entitlement per Article 51 of UAE Labour Law.
- Dispute clauses: Check escalation procedure, jurisdiction, and arbitration preference.
UAE Labour Law & Contract Validity
Short notes for Free Zone employment:
- Legal Basis: Article 8, Article 13, and Article 51 of Federal Decree-Law No. (33) of 2021 govern employment terms and end-of-service entitlements.
- Written vs Verbal Offers: Only signed contracts and documented communication hold legal weight. Verbal agreements carry no enforceability in disputes.
- Your Rights: Free Zone authorities (for example, DAFZ, JAFZA) enforce contract-related complaints through labour departments or e-services platforms.
Contact Info for Important Free Zones
Free Zone | Phone | |
DDA (Dubai) | +971 4 445 4999 | contact@dda.gov.ae |
| RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah) | +971 7 207 8888 | info@rakez.com |
| JAFZA (Dubai) | 800-52392 | customercare@jafza.ae |
| DMCC | 800-3622 | customercare@dmcc.ae |
Final Words About Checking Free Zone Labour Contract
Use Emirates ID for quickest portal lookup; passport numbers often mismatch. If access fails, ask your company PRO to fetch the contract; authorities respond faster to licensed users. Before renewal, ensure job title matches visa. Save the signed PDF; screenshots rarely help in disputes. Keep HR copied on requests.
