In a firm enforcement move, the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced that 40 domestic worker recruitment agencies across the UAE have been fined for approximately 140 violations of the country’s labour laws governing domestic workers.
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Key Details from the Official MoHRE Statement
- Scope of Penalty: The 40 agencies were penalised for multiple infractions, including failure to refund recruitment fees within the legally mandated two‑week period and lack of transparency in displaying ministry-approved service package prices (MoHRE).
- Enforcement Framework: MoHRE emphasised that these fines stemmed from inspections combining both field-based and digital monitoring systems, forming part of its continuous oversight of recruitment offices to uphold labour regulations and safeguard both employers and domestic workers.
- Zero-Tolerance Messaging: The Ministry reiterated that repeat offenders face serious consequences—including licence cancellation—reinforcing a zero-tolerance policy toward legal non‑compliance by recruitment agencies.
What Employers & Recruiters Should Know
- Refund Rules in Detail: Employers must be refunded the recruitment fees within two weeks if the worker is returned or fails to continue working. The failure to comply with this refund provision was the most frequently recorded violation.
- Transparent Pricing Is Mandatory: Clear display of prices as per ministry guidelines is a legal requirement. Agencies were flagged for not complying with this obligation, which MoHRE cited as undermining consumer protection and service quality.
- Where to Verify Licencing: MoHRE advises that the public should only hire through licensed domestic worker recruitment offices. The Ministry maintains an updated list of licensed agencies on its official portal to ensure consumer safety and compliance protection.
Legal Context: Stricter Penalties & Regulatory Basis
Federal laws—most notably Federal Law No. 10 of 2017 and its Executive Regulations—establish clear penalties for violations related to domestic worker recruitment. Agencies may face fines ranging from AED 50,000 to AED 200,000, with potentially increased penalties for repeat breaches. Licencing conditions include strict prohibitions on fee-charging to workers and rules around recruitment transparency and worker rights protections (uaelegislation.gov.ae).
Final Takeaway for Violation of Labour Laws
This enforcement action reflects MoHRE’s enhanced vigilance in regulating the domestic workers’ recruitment sector. Employers and recruiters alike are encouraged to:
- Use only officially licensed recruitment agencies,
- Ensure clear communication and display of service prices,
- Enforce timely refunds where due,
- Remain aware of MoHRE’s established legal penalties.
By observing these standards, both employers and agents help ensure compliance while safeguarding rights within the UAE’s domestic worker ecosystem.
Sources: The National, MoHRE)
Benoy Jacob is a journalist-turned-business consultant, currently serving as the Director of Client Relations at ATB Corporate in Abu Dhabi. With a keen eye for market trends and business strategy, he helps companies expand, build strategic partnerships, and optimize their operations in the UAE. Benoy brings a unique perspective on economic policies, trade ecosystems, and investment opportunities in Abu Dhabi and the wider MENA region.