UAE penalises 42 domestic worker recruitment agencies over 135 violations

The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has fined 42 domestic worker recruitment agencies after identifying 135 legal and administrative violations during the first half of 2026.

According to the ministry, 106 violations involved agencies failing to refund recruitment fees to employers within the legally required timeframe. Under the Domestic Workers Law, recruitment offices must return the fees within two weeks if a domestic worker is returned to the agency or stops working.

A further 29 violations were related to agencies not complying with approved rules and procedures governing the recruitment of domestic workers.

MoHRE said the enforcement measures are part of its ongoing efforts to improve the domestic worker recruitment sector through regular inspections of licensed agencies, ensuring compliance with regulations, protecting the rights of all parties, and maintaining high service standards.

The ministry noted that there are currently 138 licensed domestic worker recruitment offices operating across the UAE, adding that many continue to demonstrate strong compliance with approved regulations and quality standards.

MoHRE also urged employers to use only licensed recruitment offices listed on its official website and encouraged the public to report any violations through its digital platforms or by contacting the Labour Claims and Advisory Call Centre on 80084.