The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources has penalized 40 domestic worker recruitment offices for breaching regulations in early 2025.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has announced penalties against 40 recruitment offices for domestic workers in the UAE during the first half of 2025. This action follows confirmation of approximately 140 violations of the law governing domestic service workers and its executive regulations.

The ministry emphasized its zero-tolerance policy towards any recruitment office that is found guilty of legal or administrative infractions. Persistent violations by these offices, coupled with their failure to adhere to regulatory frameworks, could lead to severe sanctions, potentially including the revocation of licenses.

In a press release, the ministry stated that ongoing monitoring efforts are part of initiatives to sustain an organized labor market and enhance the competitiveness and leadership of domestic worker recruitment offices. Rapid responses to complaints from employers and families concerning these offices are facilitated through an efficient system of both field and digital inspections aimed at detecting breaches and ensuring compliance with relevant laws.

Most recorded violations involved failure to return all or part of the recruitment fees to clients within two weeks from either returning a worker or reporting their absence. Additionally, some offices did not display approved service package prices prominently for customers.

The ministry affirmed its readiness to handle transgressions with seriousness and transparency, encouraging employers to report negative practices by contacting them via specified digital platforms or by calling 80084 for direct action under established legal procedures.

Furthermore, clients are urged to engage only with licensed recruitment offices to avoid detrimental experiences. The ministry lauded those compliant offices providing exemplary services and competitive packages tailored to various customer needs at reasonable rates, thereby fostering sector growth and leadership in domestic workforce services.

The list of licensed offices can be accessed on the Ministry’s official website, ensuring client rights are upheld while benefiting from superior offerings.