The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has closed 12 recruitment offices and referred their owners to prosecutors after uncovering 300 violations of the Domestic Workers Law during 2025 inspections (thenationalnews.com). Infractions ranged from operating without a licence to charging illegal placement fees and providing false documents.
The crackdown underscores the government’s determination to professionalise household-worker recruitment – a sector that underpins expatriate family life and therefore broader talent mobility. Under the 2022 Domestic Labour Law, fines range from Dh20,000 to Dh1 million and up to one year in prison for serious offences such as trafficking or misusing online recruitment portals.
![UAE Shuts 12 Illegal Domestic-Worker Agencies After 300 Labour-Law Violations]()
For employers or domestic workers who also need assistance with entry permits, VisaHQ’s online platform can simplify the UAE visa process by outlining document requirements, fees and timelines in one place. Both individuals and corporate HR teams can start applications or request personalised support at https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/ ensuring they remain compliant with the latest regulations.
MoHRE is urging residents to use only licensed Tadbeer centres or the ministry’s online platform. Employers who hire workers through unlicensed channels also face penalties; HR departments arranging in-home carers for senior executives should verify agency credentials.
Analysts say stricter enforcement improves the UAE’s reputation among sending countries, supporting future bilateral labour agreements and ensuring a more stable pipeline of domestic workers – a critical support system for dual-career expatriate families.
The crackdown underscores the government’s determination to professionalise household-worker recruitment – a sector that underpins expatriate family life and therefore broader talent mobility. Under the 2022 Domestic Labour Law, fines range from Dh20,000 to Dh1 million and up to one year in prison for serious offences such as trafficking or misusing online recruitment portals.
For employers or domestic workers who also need assistance with entry permits, VisaHQ’s online platform can simplify the UAE visa process by outlining document requirements, fees and timelines in one place. Both individuals and corporate HR teams can start applications or request personalised support at https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/ ensuring they remain compliant with the latest regulations.
MoHRE is urging residents to use only licensed Tadbeer centres or the ministry’s online platform. Employers who hire workers through unlicensed channels also face penalties; HR departments arranging in-home carers for senior executives should verify agency credentials.
Analysts say stricter enforcement improves the UAE’s reputation among sending countries, supporting future bilateral labour agreements and ensuring a more stable pipeline of domestic workers – a critical support system for dual-career expatriate families.
