The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization has closed 12 offices found illegally recruiting domestic workers without proper licenses, authorities confirmed this week.
The cases have been referred to Public Prosecution in coordination with Economic Development Departments across the country. The move forms part of wider enforcement efforts to regulate the domestic worker recruitment sector.
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300 Violations Detected in 2025
In addition to the closures, the ministry said it recorded 300 violations committed by 57 domestic worker recruitment offices across the UAE in 2025.
While specific details of each violation were not disclosed, the ministry stressed that breaches involved legal and administrative non compliance.
Officials reiterated that unlicensed recruitment activities put both employers and domestic workers at risk. Hiring through unauthorized channels may result in legal penalties, invalid contracts, or disputes over worker rights and fees.
Zero Tolerance for Violations
MoHRE said it will not tolerate offices that fail to follow the law. The ministry highlighted the readiness of its field inspection teams and smart monitoring systems to detect and address violations firmly and transparently.
Authorities added that enforcement efforts will continue to ensure the recruitment market remains regulated and safe for all parties.
How Residents Can Protect Themselves
Residents are urged to verify the legitimacy of recruitment offices before engaging their services.
The ministry advised customers to:
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Report suspicious or negative practices through official digital platforms
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Call 80084 to file complaints
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Contact the call center at 600590000 to verify the credibility of entities promoting domestic workers on social media
Officials warned that some unlicensed operators may advertise services online, which makes verification essential before making payments or signing agreements.
The crackdown signals tighter monitoring of domestic worker recruitment across the UAE. Residents planning to hire domestic workers are encouraged to deal only with licensed offices and confirm credentials through official MoHRE channels.
Authorities have made it clear that compliance will be strictly enforced, and further inspections are expected as part of ongoing regulatory efforts.