40 UAE domestic worker agencies busted for 140+ violations: Using the wrong agency can cost you world news

Having rent from unlicensed agencies is at risk of safety because workers may be lacking screening, medical checks and legal contracts, damage to families/ representative image

The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resource and Amratization (Mahee) has exploded 40 domestic workers recruitment offices, which have been found that they have committed about 140 violations of the labor law and have its implementation rules within the first half of 2025. These violations motivated the Ministry to impose strict administrative and financial punishment, strengthening their commitment to maintain labor market standards and protect both employers and domestic workers. Mohra insisted that it would not show any generosity towards the recruitment offices that prove to be guilty of legal or administrative violations. The ministry warned that criminals repeat crimes also face rigorous punishment, including cancellation of their licenses, indicating a zero-optimity approach. In a press statement, Mohra highlighted that the region continuously monitors the recruitment offices through inspection and combination of digital systems. This ongoing supervision is designed to maintain labor market rules, promote competition and professionalism of recruitment offices and to address complaints of employers and families faster.

Major violations and compliance efforts

Most of the violations recorded by the pieces were related to failure to refund the recruitment fee, either full or partially, within a period of two weeks. This refund is required when a domestic worker is returned to the agency or stops working for the employer. Additional violations clearly involved failure to display the prices of the service package approved by the Ministry, a violation that affects transparency for customers. Mohra underlined that its inspection system is fully equipped to handle the violation seriously, with transparency and perseverance. The ministry urged customers to report any negative experience or misconduct by the recruitment offices by calling the labor claims and advisory call centers at 80084 through dedicated digital channels. To protect themselves, the Ministry encouraged the public to deal with only licensed recruitment offices, warning that unlicensed operators could pose legal and financial risks. Despite the cracks, Mohra praised most of the recruitment offices for maintaining high service standards. These offices provide diverse service packages at a reasonable price in full compliance with laws and rules, contributing to the development and leadership of the region in the UAE.

Importance of licensed agencies and public advisors

Mohra reiterated the important role in the domestic worker area to licensed recruitment agencies. They ensure that employers have access:

The ministry issued a public advisor to urge the rich and resident families to avoid recruitment offices and social media platforms without license. These irregular sources lead to important legal, health and safety risks. To facilitate safe recruitment, Mohra released an updated list of licensed domestic worker recruitment centers, which is now a total of 128 in the United Arab Emirates:

This broad network ensures that residents have reliable, professional and legally obedient services to strengthen accountability and standards within the domestic labor sector.

Competition of illegal recruitment on social media

In respective enforcement action, earlier this week, UAE officials discontinued 77 social media accounts to promote domestic activists recruitment without approval from the pawn during the first half of 2025. The ministry warned that the families are exposed to several risks by hiring domestic workers through unlicensed sources. Important reasons for illegal recruitment include problematic:

Guidance for employers on safe recruitment

The pieces recommend employers:

Renting outside official channels can cause serious issues such as theft, property damage, injury and legal complications with insurance or compensation claims. The ministry’s message is clear: Protecting your family and legal rights depends on attachment to the approved recruitment offices.