MoHRE Fines 40 Domestic Worker Recruitment Offices for 140 Legal Violations
MoHRE Fines 40 Domestic Worker Recruitment Offices for 140 Legal Violations. In a significant move to uphold labour standards and protect both employers and workers, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has imposed penalties on 40 Domestic Worker Recruitment Offices during the first half of 2025. This decisive action came after the Ministry confirmed 140 legal violations against these offices, marking an intensified crackdown on malpractice in the domestic labour market.
Strict Enforcement of Domestic Labour Law in the UAE
The MoHRE has reinforced its zero-tolerance policy towards recruitment offices that breach the UAE Labour Law on Domestic Workers. The Ministry’s latest enforcement actions included a series of administrative and financial penalties, reflecting the government’s commitment to ensuring compliance with legal standards.
Why the Crackdown?
The violations were primarily associated with breaches of the Domestic Workers Law and its Implementing Regulations. MoHRE clearly stated that repeated non-compliance with the existing legal framework could result in severe consequences, including the cancellation of licences for recruitment offices.
The Ministry emphasized that it will not show leniency to any Domestic Worker Recruitment Office that is found guilty of:
- Administrative violations
- Financial malpractice
- Ignoring employer and worker rights
- Failing to adhere to legal procedures
Monitoring Domestic Worker Recruitment Offices
According to MoHRE, the extensive monitoring campaign was part of a broader initiative to enhance the competitiveness, transparency, and integrity of the UAE’s domestic labour recruitment sector. The Ministry is actively implementing both digital and field-based monitoring systems to identify, document, and penalize violators.
These efforts also aim to:
- Strengthen compliance mechanisms
- Respond to complaints by employers and families
- Improve the overall quality of recruitment services
- Promote the leadership of the UAE in providing regulated domestic worker services
Common Violations Committed by Recruitment Offices
The Ministry detailed the nature of the violations discovered during inspections. A large portion of the issues stemmed from the failure to refund recruitment fees to employers under specific conditions.
Here’s a breakdown of the common violations observed:
| Violation Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Failure to refund recruitment fees | Not reimbursing employers within 14 days after a domestic worker was returned or stopped working |
| Lack of transparency in service pricing | Not clearly displaying MoHRE-approved service package rates |
| Breach of administrative procedures | Disregard for legal obligations set under the UAE Labour Law |
| Repeat offenses | Ongoing non-compliance despite prior warnings or penalties |
These breaches severely undermine the trust between employers and recruitment offices and contradict the Ministry’s efforts to maintain ethical hiring practices.
Public Communication and Awareness
To ensure full public cooperation, MoHRE has been actively engaging with employers and the broader community. The Ministry encouraged individuals and families to report any suspicious or unethical behavior by recruitment offices through official digital platforms or by calling the Labour Claims and Advisory Call Centre at 80084.
Digital Monitoring and Feedback Channels
MoHRE has developed multiple communication and surveillance tools, including:
- Real-time digital dashboards
- Field inspections across emirates
- Employer feedback integration
- Customer complaint analysis
These technologies help ensure that any deviation from the law is quickly addressed and corrected.
Dealing Only with Licensed Domestic Worker Offices
The Ministry issued a strong advisory urging all employers and families in the UAE to only engage with MoHRE-licensed Domestic Worker Recruitment Offices. Dealing with unlicensed or informal agents can result in:
- Legal liabilities
- Financial loss
- Lack of protection for both parties
- Difficulty in resolving disputes
To aid the public, the Ministry maintains a comprehensive list of licensed offices on its official website www.mohre.gov.ae. This ensures transparency and allows users to verify the legitimacy of any recruitment agency they intend to engage.
Commending Law-Abiding Recruitment Offices
While the crackdown focused on violators, MoHRE also acknowledged the majority of Domestic Worker Recruitment Offices that are compliant and service-focused. These offices have been praised for:
- Providing high-quality and competitive service packages
- Maintaining reasonable pricing
- Following regulatory procedures
- Offering a wide range of customised service options for different households
This responsible behaviour not only fosters client trust but also contributes to the growth and leadership of the domestic worker services sector in the UAE.
MoHRE Commitment to a Regulated Labour Market
The Ministry reiterated its mission to maintain a balanced and sustainable labour market, where:
- Employers have access to trustworthy services
- Workers’ rights are protected
- Legal compliance is strictly enforced
- Stakeholder feedback is continuously integrated
This ongoing effort ensures that the domestic employment landscape in the UAE remains fair, competitive, and legally sound.
How to Check If a Recruitment Office is Licensed
To ensure you’re dealing with a MoHRE-licensed Domestic Worker Recruitment Office, follow these steps:
- Visit the official MoHRE website: www.mohre.gov.ae
- Navigate to the “Domestic Workers” services section.
- Browse or search the list of licensed recruitment agencies.
- Verify the agency’s license status, service package, and contact details.
- If in doubt, contact MoHRE customer service (80084) for confirmation.
Why Compliance Matters for Employers and Workers
Complying with the UAE’s Domestic Workers Law ensures:
- Financial protection for employers in case of service failure
- Legal employment and humane treatment of domestic workers
- Reduced risk of disputes or fraud
- Access to official channels for resolving issues
Failure to engage a licensed agency may result in legal penalties and lack of recourse if things go wrong.
FAQs About MoHRE and Domestic Worker Recruitment Offices
What should I do if a Domestic Worker Recruitment Office refuses to refund fees?
Ans: If a recruitment office fails to refund your money within the legally mandated 14-day period, you should immediately report the issue to MoHRE via the call centre (80084) or submit a complaint through their digital portal.
Can a recruitment office operate without being registered with MoHRE?
Ans: No, all Domestic Worker Recruitment Offices must be licensed by MoHRE to operate legally in the UAE. Dealing with unlicensed agencies is not only risky but also illegal.
How does MoHRE monitor recruitment offices?
Ans: MoHRE uses a combination of field inspections, digital tracking systems, and customer feedback to ensure recruitment offices comply with labour laws and uphold service standards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, MoHRE’s strict actions against non-compliant Domestic Worker Recruitment Offices highlight its firm commitment to protecting both employers and domestic workers in the UAE. By enforcing labour laws, promoting transparency, and encouraging the use of licensed agencies, the Ministry is ensuring a safer, more reliable recruitment sector. Employers are urged to verify office credentials and report violations, supporting a fair and regulated domestic labour market across the nation.
