The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has initiated legal action against 30 domestic worker recruitment offices across the UAE following 89 confirmed violations during the first quarter of 2025.
Offences include failure to refund recruitment fees within the mandatory two-week period, either after the worker was returned or stopped working, and not clearly displaying MoHRE-approved service package prices for customers' benefit.
The ministry confirmed that these steps are part of a wider strategy to increase regulation, using a combination of on-site inspections and digital tracking tools to ensure transparency and accountability in the domestic worker recruitment sector.
MoHRE has warned that repeated violations may lead to licence cancellations, and stressed its commitment to protecting both employers and workers. At the same time, MoHRE commended the 126 offices that remain in full compliance, encouraging families and residents to only use licenced and approved recruitment agencies for hiring domestic staff.
So, if you're planning to hire a domestic worker, it’s important to verify that the recruitment office is MoHRE-licenced. These enforcement actions aim to ensure fair pricing, legal protection, and improved service standards for all parties involved. The full list of licenced offices can be found on the MoHRE's official website.