UAE cracks down on unlicensed domestic worker agencies

Eleven unlicensed domestic worker recruitment offices have been shut down in Al Ain.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), in coordination with the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority, confirmed the closures after the agencies were found operating without proper licences or using permits issued outside Abu Dhabi, in violation of UAE labour laws.

Legal and financial penalties have been imposed, and the cases have been referred to the Public Prosecution.

The Ministry says the action follows multiple complaints from the public about these offices failing to meet their obligations.

Authorities are urging residents to deal only with licensed recruitment offices, warning of the risks posed by unregulated providers.

A full list of approved agencies is available on the MoHRE website.

Earlier this year, 40 domestic worker recruitment offices across the UAE were penalised for committing various offences, and 77 social media accounts promoting illegal recruitment services were shut down.