UAE Fines 42 Domestic Worker Agencies for 135 Violations in Six-Month Crackdown

The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has fined 42 domestic worker recruitment offices for 135 legal and administrative violations recorded during the first half of 2026, as part of its efforts to strengthen regulation of the domestic labour sector.

The ministry said 106 of the violations involved agencies failing to refund all or part of recruitment fees to employers within the legally prescribed period.

Under the executive regulations of the Domestic Workers Law, recruitment offices are required to refund fees within two weeks from the date a domestic worker is returned to the office or reported to have stopped working.

MoHRE stressed that compliance with refund procedures is a key requirement to protect employers’ rights, maintain fairness in contractual relationships, and reduce disputes between employers and recruitment agencies.

A further 29 violations were recorded against offices that failed to comply with approved rules and procedures governing the recruitment of domestic workers.

The enforcement measures form part of MoHRE’s broader campaign to enhance the domestic worker recruitment system through regular inspections and monitoring of licensed agencies. The ministry said the initiative aims to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, improve service quality, and safeguard the interests of all parties involved.

The UAE currently has 138 licensed domestic worker recruitment offices operating across the country. MoHRE praised agencies that have maintained high compliance levels, highlighting their commitment to transparency, service standards, and adherence to approved regulations.

The ministry reiterated that its inspection and monitoring mechanisms are equipped to address violations through strict and transparent enforcement measures. It urged customers to report any malpractice by recruitment offices through approved digital channels or by contacting the Labour Claims and Advisory Call Centre on 80084.

MoHRE also advised employers to deal only with licensed recruitment offices listed on its official website and to familiarise themselves with the applicable regulations and procedures before entering into employment contracts.

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