FLASH NEWSMoHRE Fines Domestic Worker Recruitment Offices

135 Fines for UAE Recruitment Offices

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has issued 135 fines against 42 domestic worker recruitment offices in the UAE for violating the Federal Decree-Law Concerning Domestic Workers and its Executive Regulations. These fines were issued during the first half of 2026 and are part of MoHRE’s efforts to strengthen oversight of the domestic worker recruitment sector, ensure compliance with approved regulations, and protect the rights of all parties.

The most common offense involved recruitment offices failing to refund all or part of recruitment fees to employers within the required two-week deadline. MoHRE recorded 106 violations involving delayed refunds after employers returned domestic workers to recruitment offices or reported that workers had stopped reporting for duty. Additionally, 29 violations involved recruitment offices that failed to comply with approved terms and procedures governing domestic worker recruitment activities.

MoHRE has taken necessary administrative and financial measures against the violators to promote compliance, encourage best practices, and address violations. The ministry commended the high level of compliance demonstrated by many licensed domestic worker recruitment offices across the UAE, saying they had adhered to approved regulations while maintaining high standards of service quality and transparency.

The UAE has 138 licensed and active domestic worker recruitment offices, which are monitored by MoHRE through an integrated oversight system that includes inspections, monitoring, and continuous evaluation. This system aims to promote compliance, encourage best practices, and address violations.

To avoid such fines, recruitment offices must comply with the Federal Decree-Law Concerning Domestic Workers and its Executive Regulations. Employers should also be aware of their rights and the regulations governing domestic worker recruitment activities.