The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), in coordination with the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), has shut down 11 unlicensed domestic worker recruitment offices in Al Ain. The closures follow multiple community complaints, with violators facing legal, administrative, and financial penalties, and cases referred to the Public Prosecution.
Dubai: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), has announced the closure of 11 unlicensed domestic worker recruitment offices in Al Ain. Officials confirmed that these offices were operating without the required authorization or under licenses issued outside the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, in direct violation of the Domestic Workers Law and its implementing regulations.
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According to MoHRE, the violators have been subjected to legal, administrative, and financial penalties. Their cases have also been referred to the Public Prosecution for further legal proceedings. The Ministry emphasized that these measures reflect its zero-tolerance policy against unlicensed recruitment practices, which pose risks to both families and workers.
The Ministry praised ADRA’s active role in enforcing compliance, highlighting the strong cooperation between federal and local authorities to ensure adherence to the law.
The enforcement drive followed multiple complaints from community members, particularly from families and employers who reported that the unlicensed offices failed to honor their contractual commitments. Such failures often result in financial losses, disputes, and a lack of protection for both employers and domestic workers.
By acting on these complaints, MoHRE reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of employers and workers, ensuring safe and transparent recruitment practices across the country.
The Ministry urged residents and employers to deal only with officially licensed recruitment offices to avoid risks associated with unregulated operators. Customers can verify licensed offices through MoHRE’s official website (www.mohre.gov.ae), which lists approved agencies that follow established legal and professional standards.
The Ministry also encouraged the public to report violations through its digital channels, call center (600590000), or the Labour Claims and Advisory Centre (toll-free number 80084). MoHRE reiterated that it will continue to act decisively against violators to safeguard the interests of all parties involved.
This latest enforcement action forms part of a broader nationwide campaign to regulate the domestic worker recruitment sector. Earlier in 2025, MoHRE penalized 40 recruitment offices across the UAE for 140 confirmed violations of the Domestic Workers Law during the first half of the year.
In the same period, 77 unauthorized social media accounts promoting illegal recruitment services were shut down, in coordination with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). These accounts were found to be misleading the public and offering services without proper licensing.
MoHRE reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring transparency and compliance across the domestic worker recruitment industry. The Ministry highlighted its flexible service packages, comprehensive inspection system, and continued engagement with employers to improve recruitment services and uphold professional standards.
“Enforcement actions such as these are aimed at raising compliance levels and protecting families and workers from negative practices,” MoHRE said in a statement.
The crackdown on unlicensed offices reflects the UAE’s commitment to maintaining a fair, transparent, and regulated labour market. By protecting both employers and domestic workers, authorities aim to enhance trust in the recruitment system and eliminate exploitative practices.
MoHRE emphasized that ensuring compliance with the Domestic Workers Law remains a top priority and assured the public that further monitoring and enforcement efforts will continue throughout the year.
