An editorial published by The National on 27 February 2026 highlights fresh enforcement measures aimed at unlicensed recruiters who lure foreign domestic workers to the Emirates with false promises and then leave them without valid visas or employment. While most agencies operate legally, authorities say a minority continue to charge illegal fees, falsify job offers or abuse visit-visa loopholes.
![UAE steps up crackdown on rogue recruitment agencies exploiting domestic workers]()
For recruiters, employers or workers who want to be absolutely certain they are securing the correct UAE entry permit or residence visa, VisaHQ provides a step-by-step online service that clarifies document requirements, government fees and appointment scheduling. Its dedicated UAE page (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/) can help applicants avoid the very pitfalls outlined in this crackdown, offering guidance whether you are hiring staff, relocating a household or regularising your own status.
Under Cabinet Resolution (25) / 2024 employers found hiring through unregistered brokers face fines ranging from AED 50,000 to AED 200,000, while agencies that close down without paying workers’ salaries can be blacklisted and have owners banned from leaving the country. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) confirmed that 17 such entities were shut in 2025; February’s operation marks the first large-scale audit of 2026. The UAE previously offered a visa-status amnesty in 2024, allowing undocumented workers to regularise their position without penalty. Officials say those cooperative channels remain open and encourage victims to come forward. For global-mobility and household-goods relocation firms the message is clear: only deal with MoHRE-licensed agencies visible on the new ‘Tadbeer 360’ portal, and verify that domestic-worker permits match the role and sponsor on their Emirates ID. Diplomatic missions from the Philippines, India and Ethiopia have welcomed the crackdown, noting that illegal placement fees of up to USD 3,000 often leave workers in debt bondage. The push also serves corporate HR teams employing large numbers of support staff in executive housing compounds: compliance audits now include checks that cleaners, nannies and drivers hold the correct domestic-worker residency visa rather than visitor or freelance permits.
For recruiters, employers or workers who want to be absolutely certain they are securing the correct UAE entry permit or residence visa, VisaHQ provides a step-by-step online service that clarifies document requirements, government fees and appointment scheduling. Its dedicated UAE page (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/) can help applicants avoid the very pitfalls outlined in this crackdown, offering guidance whether you are hiring staff, relocating a household or regularising your own status.
Under Cabinet Resolution (25) / 2024 employers found hiring through unregistered brokers face fines ranging from AED 50,000 to AED 200,000, while agencies that close down without paying workers’ salaries can be blacklisted and have owners banned from leaving the country. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) confirmed that 17 such entities were shut in 2025; February’s operation marks the first large-scale audit of 2026. The UAE previously offered a visa-status amnesty in 2024, allowing undocumented workers to regularise their position without penalty. Officials say those cooperative channels remain open and encourage victims to come forward. For global-mobility and household-goods relocation firms the message is clear: only deal with MoHRE-licensed agencies visible on the new ‘Tadbeer 360’ portal, and verify that domestic-worker permits match the role and sponsor on their Emirates ID. Diplomatic missions from the Philippines, India and Ethiopia have welcomed the crackdown, noting that illegal placement fees of up to USD 3,000 often leave workers in debt bondage. The push also serves corporate HR teams employing large numbers of support staff in executive housing compounds: compliance audits now include checks that cleaners, nannies and drivers hold the correct domestic-worker residency visa rather than visitor or freelance permits.
