UAE Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Recruitment, Shuts Down 12 Unlicensed Domestic Worker Agencies
Dubai, UAE — The United Arab Emirates has intensified its crackdown on illegal recruitment practices in the domestic labour sector by shutting down 12 unlicensed recruitment agencies involved in the hiring of domestic workers, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced on February 25, 2026. The move forms part of a wider government effort to enforce labour laws, protect workers’ rights and ensure ethical recruitment standards across the country in a sector that touches thousands of households.
Closure of Unlicensed Agencies
The affected establishments were found to be operating without the proper licences required to recruit domestic workers — a clear violation of UAE regulations that have been designed to protect both workers and employers. According to MoHRE, these cases have now been referred to the Public Prosecution, which will determine subsequent legal action against the entities and individuals involved, potentially including fines and other penalties.
The closures underline the UAE’s commitment to strict compliance with national labour laws that have been developed over years to create a fair and transparent labour market. MoHRE revealed that a total of 300 violations were detected in 2025 across 57 domestic worker recruitment offices operating throughout the Emirates, indicating that enforcement remains a priority.
These violations included breaches of legal and administrative requirements governing how recruitment should be conducted, demonstrating that non-compliance remains an ongoing concern in the sector despite previous warnings and enforcement actions.
Stronger Enforcement and Greater Transparency
Officials emphasised that the ministry will not tolerate recruitment offices that flout the law, sending a clear message to would-be violators. In addition to traditional on-the-ground inspections, MoHRE has implemented smart digital monitoring systems designed to detect illegal operations and irregular hiring patterns more efficiently, leveraging technology to enhance oversight.
This integrated approach allows regulators to act swiftly when violations are discovered and helps protect the rights of workers and employers alike, creating a system where compliance is easier and violations harder to hide. The digital systems can flag suspicious patterns that might escape human inspection.
To ensure transparency and accountability, MoHRE has urged members of the public to report any suspicious or fraudulent practices by recruitment agencies through official channels. Complaints can be lodged through designated digital platforms or via the ministry’s hotline (80084), ensuring that community members can play a role in enforcement.
Employers and job seekers have also been advised to verify the legitimacy of any entity advertising domestic worker recruitment services by calling MoHRE’s call centre at 600590000, providing a simple way to check before engaging.
Social Media Clampdown
In addition to shutting down illegal offices, the UAE has also targeted unlicensed activities on social media platforms, recognising that much illegal recruitment now occurs online. Earlier in February, the ministry announced the closure of 230 social media accounts that were promoting domestic worker recruitment services without proper licensing or affiliation with authorised agencies.
These accounts were found to be operating in violation of the Domestic Workers Law, misleading job seekers and employers alike with promises they had no authority to make. The accounts spanned multiple platforms and had reached significant audiences before being identified.
This broader digital enforcement effort was carried out in cooperation with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) , showcasing how inter-agency collaboration is being used to monitor and police online recruitment activity across the digital landscape. Authorities warn that unlicensed online recruitment not only breaches UAE law but also poses significant risks of fraud and exploitation to vulnerable workers.
Legal Framework and Penalties
The UAE’s regulatory framework for domestic worker recruitment is grounded in Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 and supporting regulations, which set strict standards for licensing, employment contracts and worker protection that apply to all recruitment activity. Under these laws, recruiting or employing domestic workers without a proper licence is prohibited, and offenders face substantial penalties — including fines and potential imprisonment — depending on the severity of the violation.
For example, punishments can range from Dh20,000 to Dh100,000 (approx. USD 5,500–27,000) for providing false information or fake documents in connection with domestic working permits, ensuring that fraud carries significant consequences. Other sanctions include fines between Dh50,000 and Dh200,000 for hiring unlicensed workers or misusing permits, and even higher penalties for operating recruitment services without authorisation.
The tiered penalty system reflects the seriousness with which UAE authorities view violations of labour laws, with higher penalties for more serious infractions.
Protecting Domestic Workers and Employers
Authorities say the intensified enforcement is aimed at protecting both domestic workers and the families who employ them, ensuring that the recruitment process is fair and transparent. Illegal recruitment often leaves workers and employers vulnerable — workers may be exposed to exploitation or unsafe conditions without legal recourse, while employers risk losing legal protections and facing fines or other consequences under UAE law.
In addition to enforcement, the UAE has other measures in place to safeguard worker rights, such as requiring comprehensive health insurance, prohibiting passport confiscation, and ensuring workers have access to legal dispute mechanisms through government channels. Domestic workers are also entitled to rest periods, annual leave and other protections under national labour standards that apply equally to all workers.
Looking Ahead
MoHRE’s action against unlicensed domestic worker recruiters comes amid broader efforts to modernise and digitise labour services in the UAE, making it easier for employers and workers to comply with regulations and access accurate information through streamlined processes. Combined with public awareness campaigns and stronger penalties for non-compliance, these steps are designed to promote ethical recruitment practices and enhance overall labour market integrity.
The ministry has indicated that enforcement will continue and potentially intensify, with more inspections and monitoring planned. Employers are encouraged to use only licensed agencies and to verify credentials before engaging any recruitment service.
Also Read: UAE Petrol Prices March 2026: Likely to Rise as Global Oil Tensions Drive Crude Above $70
Conclusion
The UAE’s crackdown on illegal domestic worker recruitment sends a clear message: violations of labour laws will not be tolerated, and authorities have the tools and determination to enforce compliance. For workers and employers alike, the message is to use only licensed, reputable agencies.
12 agencies closed. 230 social media accounts shut down. UAE labour enforcement continues.
