40 UAE domestic worker agencies busted for 140+ violations: Why using the wrong agency could cost you | World News

Hiring from unlicensed agencies dangers security as a result of employees could lack screening, medical checks, and authorized contracts, exposing households to hurt/ Representative Image

The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has cracked down on 40 Domestic Worker Recruitment Offices discovered to have dedicated round 140 violations of the Labour Law and its Implementing Regulations inside the first half of 2025. These violations prompted the ministry to impose strict administrative and monetary penalties, reinforcing its dedication to uphold labour market requirements and shield each employers and domestic employees. MoHRE emphasised that it’ll present no leniency in direction of recruitment workplaces confirmed responsible of authorized or administrative violations. The ministry warned that repeat offenders danger going through even harsher penalties, together with the cancellation of their licenses, signaling a zero-tolerance method. In a press assertion, MoHRE highlighted that it constantly displays recruitment workplaces via a mixture of discipline inspections and digital techniques. This ongoing supervision is designed to maintain labour market laws, enhance the competitiveness and professionalism of recruitment workplaces, and swiftly tackle complaints from employers and households.

Key Violations and Compliance Efforts

Most of the violations recorded by MoHRE had been associated to the failure to refund recruitment charges, both in full or partially, inside the legally mandated two-week interval. This refund is required when a domestic worker is returned to the agency or stops working for the employer. Additional infringements included failure to obviously show ministry-approved service package deal costs, a breach that impacts transparency for shoppers. MoHRE underscored that its inspection system is totally geared up to deal with violations critically, with transparency and firmness. The ministry urged prospects to report any unfavorable experiences or malpractice by recruitment workplaces through devoted digital channels or by calling the Labour Claims and Advisory Call Centre at 80084. To shield themselves, the ministry inspired the public to deal solely with licensed recruitment workplaces, warning that unlicensed operators can result in authorized and monetary dangers. Despite the crackdown, MoHRE praised the majority of recruitment workplaces for sustaining excessive service requirements. These workplaces present various service packages at cheap costs in full compliance with legal guidelines and laws, contributing to the sector’s progress and management in the UAE.

The Importance of Licensed Agencies and Public Advisory

MoHRE reiterated the essential position licensed recruitment agencies play in the domestic worker sector. They be sure that employers have entry to:

The ministry issued a public advisory urging Emirati and resident households to keep away from unlicensed recruitment workplaces and social media platforms promoting domestic worker providers. These unregulated sources pose vital authorized, well being, and security dangers. To facilitate secure recruitment, MoHRE launched an up to date checklist of licensed domestic worker recruitment facilities, now totaling 128 throughout the UAE:

This in depth community ensures that residents have entry to reliable, skilled, and legally compliant providers, strengthening accountability and requirements inside the domestic labor sector.

Combating Illegal Recruitment on Social Media

In a associated enforcement motion, earlier this week, the UAE authorities shut down 77 social media accounts selling domestic worker recruitment with out approval from MoHRE throughout the first half of 2025. The ministry warned that hiring domestic employees via unlicensed sources exposes households to a number of dangers. Key the explanation why unlawful hiring is problematic embody:

Guidance for Employers on Safe Recruitment

MoHRE advises employers to:

Hiring exterior the official channels can result in severe points reminiscent of theft, property harm, damage, and authorized issues with insurance coverage or compensation claims. The ministry’s message is obvious: safeguarding your loved ones and authorized rights is dependent upon participating with permitted recruitment workplaces.