MOHRE E-Channel — What It Is and Why It Matters
The MOHRE E-Channel is the mandatory online portal used by UAE mainland private sector employers to process employee work permits, visa applications, and labour-related transactions.
What Can You Do Through E-Channel?
- Submit new work permit applications
- Renew existing work permits
- Cancel work permits for departing employees
- Process visa transfers between employers
- Track application status in real time
- View your company's MOHRE compliance status
Who Needs an E-Channel Account?
Every mainland UAE private sector company that employs staff must have an active E-Channel account. You cannot process a single work permit without one.
Free zone companies (except those in ADGM and DIFC) may also need E-Channel access depending on their free zone authority's requirements.
Establishment Card vs E-Channel
These are two separate but related requirements:
| Establishment Card | E-Channel Account | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Physical/digital card confirming your labour registration | Online portal account for submitting visa applications |
| Issued by | MOHRE | MOHRE |
| Renewal | Annual | Annual |
| Required for | Proving you are registered as an employer | Submitting work permit applications |
You need both — neither works without the other.
E-Channel Renewal
Your E-Channel account must be renewed annually. If it lapses, all visa processing stops until it is renewed. Kounted tracks E-Channel renewal dates and handles renewals proactively.
Nitaqat (Emiratisation) and E-Channel
Your E-Channel account is linked to your Nitaqat (Emiratisation) classification. Companies with a poor Nitaqat rating (Red or Yellow band) face restrictions on new work permit issuance. Kounted can advise on your Nitaqat status and the steps to improve it.