UAE fines 40 domestic worker recruitment offices for violations in H1

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has taken administrative and financial measures against 40 domestic worker recruitment offices in the UAE during H1 2025. This follows the confirmation of approximately 140 violations of the country’s Labour Law governing domestic workers and its implementing regulations.

The ministry said it would not show leniency toward any recruitment office found to have committed legal or administrative violations.

MoHRE warned that repeated non-compliance with regulations could lead to tougher penalties, including the potential cancellation of operating licences.

In a statement on social media platform, X, MoHRE said the action comes as part of ongoing efforts to regulate the domestic labour market, boost the competitiveness and performance of recruitment offices, and respond promptly to complaints from employers and families.

As part of our ongoing efforts to monitor the performance of domestic worker recruitment offices, ensure their compliance with applicable regulations and legislation, and respond swiftly to complaints from employers and families regarding the operation of these offices, 40… pic.twitter.com/SWjzz6oa8p

— وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) July 28, 2025

“Continuous monitoring is carried out using both field-based and digital systems to detect and address violations, and to ensure offices are adhering strictly to applicable legislation,” the ministry said.

The majority of violations were related to failure to refund full or partial recruitment fees within the legally mandated two-week period.

This refund should be issued when a domestic worker is returned to the recruitment office or is reported to have stopped working. Other infringements included failure to clearly display ministry-approved service package prices to customers.

MoHRE says its equipped to deal with violations

MoHRE affirmed that its inspection and monitoring systems were fully equipped to deal with violations seriously and transparently, and reiterated its commitment to hearing complaints from employers.

The ministry encouraged the public to report any negative practices through its digital platforms or by calling the Labour Claims and Advisory Call Centre at 80084.

It also urged customers to work only with licenced recruitment offices to avoid the risk of fraudulent or unprofessional conduct.

Compliant domestic worker recruitment offices praised

Despite the violations, MoHRE praised the majority of domestic worker recruitment offices for complying with regulations and providing competitive services at reasonable prices.

These practices, it said, support the growth and leadership of the domestic worker services sector in the UAE.