Hiring from unlicensed domestic worker offices risks legal trouble, as many fail to refund fees or provide qualified, vetted workers/ Image: File

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), the arm of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development responsible for regulating and developing the business sector, has shut down 11 unlicenced domestic worker recruitment offices in Al Ain.The offices were found to be operating without a licence or under licences issued outside the emirate of Abu Dhabi, in violation of the Domestic Workers Law and its implementing regulations.MoHRE emphasized that it will show no leniency towards recruitment offices proven guilty of legal or administrative violations. The ministry warned that repeat offenders risk facing even harsher penalties, including the cancellation of their licenses, signaling a zero-tolerance approach.The ministry confirmed that legal, administrative and financial penalties have been imposed on the offending offices, along with referring their cases to the Public Prosecution.MoHRE commended ADRA’s efforts, which carried out the closures in coordination with MoHRE, underscoring the spirit of partnership and integration between federal and local government bodies.In a press statement, the ministry explained that it had received numerous complaints from community members regarding these offices, particularly concerning their failure to fulfill commitments to families and employers. The ministry reaffirmed its ongoing efforts to monitor domestic worker recruitment offices across the UAE ensuring their compliance with the law and operational standards.Earlier this year, MoHRE announced that 40 domestic worker recruitment offices in the UAE were penalised during the first half of 2025, after confirming approximately 140 violations of the Domestic Workers Law and its implementing regulations.The ministry indicated that the majority of recorded violations consisted of failure to refund all or part of the recruitment fees to employers dealing with them within the specified period of two weeks from the date the Domestic Worker was brought back to the recruitment office, or from the date the domestic worker was reported to have stopped working. Infringements also included non-compliance with displaying ministry-approved service package prices clearly to clients.

The importance of licensed agencies and public advisory

MoHRE reiterated the crucial role licensed recruitment agencies play in the domestic worker sector. They ensure that employers have access to:

The ministry issued a public advisory urging Emirati and resident families to avoid unlicensed recruitment offices and social media platforms advertising domestic worker services. These unregulated sources pose significant legal, health, and safety risks.To facilitate safe recruitment, MoHRE released an updated list of licensed domestic worker recruitment centers, now totaling 128 across the UAE:

This extensive network ensures that residents have access to trustworthy, professional, and legally compliant services, strengthening accountability and standards within the domestic labor sector.

Combating illegal recruitment on social media

In a related enforcement action, earlier this week, the UAE authorities shut down 77 social media accounts promoting domestic worker recruitment without approval from MoHRE during the first half of 2025. The ministry warned that hiring domestic workers through unlicensed sources exposes families to multiple risks.Key reasons why illegal hiring is problematic include:

Guidance for employers on safe recruitment

MoHRE advises employers to:

Hiring outside the official channels can lead to serious issues such as theft, property damage, injury, and legal complications with insurance or compensation claims. The ministry’s message is clear: safeguarding your family and legal rights depends on engaging with approved recruitment offices.