The United Arab Emirates' Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has taken a firm stand against irregularities in the domestic worker recruitment sector, announcing on July 28, 2025, that it penalized 40 recruitment agencies during the first half of the year. These agencies were found to have committed approximately 140 violations of the domestic worker law and its executive regulations, prompting the ministry to take legal, administrative, and financial measures against them.
This crackdown reflects MOHRE's ongoing commitment to regulating the labor market and ensuring the integrity and competitiveness of recruitment agencies in the country. The ministry emphasized that it will not tolerate any agency found guilty of legal or administrative violations, warning that repeated offenses could lead to stricter sanctions, including the cancellation of licenses.
Most of the violations centered on agencies failing to refund all or part of recruitment fees to employers within the legally mandated timeframe. Specifically, these refunds are required within two weeks from either the date the domestic worker is returned to the agency or the date the employer reports the worker's absence or cessation of work. This failure to comply has been a significant source of complaints from employers and families relying on these services.
Another common breach involved the agencies not clearly displaying the prices of the service packages approved by MOHRE. Transparency in pricing is crucial to protect consumers from unexpected costs and to maintain trust in the recruitment process. The ministry has made it clear that such omissions are unacceptable and subject to penalties.
MOHRE highlighted that this monitoring and enforcement effort is part of a broader strategy to sustain labor market regulations, enhance the competitiveness and leadership of recruitment agencies, and promptly address complaints from employers and families. The ministry employs both field inspections and digital monitoring tools to detect violations and ensure compliance with the relevant laws and regulations.
Importantly, the ministry called on all employers and clients to engage only with licensed recruitment agencies to avoid falling victim to negative practices. It also encouraged the public to report any misconduct by agencies through dedicated digital platforms or by contacting the ministry's legal consultation center via the hotline 80084. This open channel aims to foster transparency and swift action against violations.
While the ministry is cracking down on non-compliant agencies, it also praised the majority of licensed recruitment offices for their commitment to delivering competitive and high-quality services. Many agencies offer diverse service packages tailored to different needs and budgets, all within the framework of the country's laws and regulations. This approach not only supports consumer rights but also helps promote growth and leadership within the domestic worker services sector.
To assist employers in making informed choices, MOHRE provides an updated list of licensed domestic worker recruitment agencies on its official website, www.mohre.gov.ae. Access to this resource ensures that clients can verify agency credentials and benefit from the protections and advantages that come with dealing with authorized service providers.
The ministry’s firm stance and continuous oversight reflect the UAE’s broader efforts to maintain a fair, transparent, and competitive labor market that protects both employers and workers. By enforcing legal compliance and encouraging ethical practices, MOHRE aims to uphold the rights of all parties involved and foster a trustworthy recruitment environment.
In summary, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s recent actions against 40 domestic worker recruitment agencies demonstrate a robust regulatory approach designed to curb misconduct and promote excellence in the sector. Employers are urged to remain vigilant, engage only with licensed agencies, and report any irregularities to help maintain the integrity of the domestic worker recruitment system in the UAE.
