• MoHRE affirmed the readiness and efficiency of field and smart inspection systems in regulating recruitment offices
• 300 violations recorded by 57 domestic worker recruitment offices
• MoHRE issues warning against engaging with unlicensed entities promoting domestic workers through social media

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced the closure of 12 offices involved in the recruitment of domestic workers without the necessary licences. The cases have been referred to the Public Prosecution in collaboration with the Economic Development Departments across the UAE.

The Ministry also detected 300 violations committed by 57 domestic worker recruitment offices throughout the country in 2025, as part of its ongoing efforts to regulate and monitor recruitment offices, improve domestic worker services in the UAE, and protect the rights of all parties involved.

In a press statement, the Ministry affirmed that it will not tolerate domestic worker recruitment offices that violate legal or administrative regulations, and stressed that legal, administrative, and financial measures will be taken against non-compliant offices, which may extend to licence cancellation in cases of repeated offences, in accordance with Federal Decree Law No. (9) of 2022, its implementing regulations, and related decisions.

The Ministry explained that the majority of violations recorded last year were due to recruitment offices failing to refund all or part of the recruitment fees to employers within the specified two-week period, either from the date of the domestic worker’s return to the office or from the date the worker is reported absent. Other violations included failing to display the Ministry-approved service package prices clearly for customers, as well as recruiting workers without a permit or practising recruitment activities without a licence.

The Ministry highlighted the efficiency of its ongoing monitoring procedures and the readiness of its field and smart inspection systems in addressing violations with firmness and transparency. It also emphasised its commitment to listening to the views and complaints of employers regarding recruitment offices, and following up on them through various communication channels, an advanced complaints system, and prompt response mechanisms.

The Ministry reiterated its advice for customers to exclusively deal with licensed domestic worker recruitment offices in the UAE. There are 136 centres operating across all emirates, which are listed on the Ministry’s official website:  https://mohre.gov.ae/ar/services/approved-services-centers  

This ensures their rights are protected and enables them to benefit from the advantages provided by these authorised offices.

The Ministry urged customers to report any negative practices by recruitment offices through designated digital platforms or by calling 80084, so that prompt legal action can be taken. Customers are also advised to contact the call centre at 600590000 to verify the credibility of entities promoting domestic workers on social media.

The Ministry further highlighted that engaging with authorised offices provides crucial protection for families and shields employers from potential legal violations, such as unlawful hiring of domestic workers. It also ensures domestic workers receive the comprehensive legal guarantees afforded by Ministry-licensed offices. 

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to continuously monitoring the level of compliance of domestic worker recruitment offices with the legislative and regulatory frameworks governing their operations. These frameworks ensure the delivery of diverse service packages that meet customer needs, including the provision of trained and qualified workers who have completed all required legal procedures, such as criminal record checks and medical examinations, reinforcing confidence among families and strengthening the UAE’s leadership in regulating domestic worker services.