UAE Cracks Down on Non-Compliant Recruitment Agencies — Empowering Employers and Strengthening Trust

Upholding Trust and Transparency in Recruitment

In the UAE, the commitment to fairness and accountability is not just a legal promise — it’s a practical reality that is shaping the way employers and recruitment agencies work together. Recent decisive action by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) underscores this commitment and sends a powerful message across the domestic labour market.

Fourteen Agencies Sanctioned for Serious Violations

In a significant enforcement drive this January, MoHRE took legal and administrative action against 14 domestic worker recruitment agencies for failing to meet their legal obligations. Investigations revealed 22 violations under the UAE Domestic Workers Law and its related regulations. Most notably, 20 of these breaches involved agencies failing to refund recruitment fees to employers within the prescribed two-week period after a domestic worker had been returned or reported absent. An additional 2 violations were linked to agencies’ disregard for other vital ministry regulations and circulars.

A Legal Safeguard That Employers Can Trust

The UAE Labour Law is unequivocal in protecting employer interests in such scenarios. Recruitment agencies must refund fees promptly — and if they do not, employers have every right to escalate the matter directly with the Ministry. The law empowers MoHRE to take action on behalf of employers, up to and including the revocation of licences for agencies that persistently disregard their legal duties. This is not mere rhetoric; it is a practical safeguard that restores balance and transparency to a vital service.

MOHRE’s Call to Employers: Speak Up

Crucially, the Ministry is encouraging employers to be proactive. Employers who face delays or refusals can submit complaints via MoHRE’s digital channels or contact the Labour Claims and Advisory Call Centre on 80084. Every report is taken seriously and investigated thoroughly — reinforcing the message that no employer should have to absorb unfair losses because of an agency’s failure to comply.

A Shared Responsibility for Integrity

At the heart of this legal regime lies a shared responsibility. Recruitment agencies must hold up their end by providing qualified workers, operating within the law, and delivering transparent, professional services. Employers, too, have a role in choosing their partners wisely — by ensuring they deal exclusively with licensed agencies listed on MoHRE’s official website at www.mohre.gov.ae. Avoiding unlicensed recruiters and unverified social media pages protects everyone: the employer, the worker, and the reputation of the UAE’s domestic labour sector.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Confidence in the Market

The UAE’s action against these 14 agencies is a clear statement of intent — one that will encourage better practices, sharper compliance, and greater trust across the entire recruitment ecosystem. It’s also a reminder that the law is responsive, evolving, and equipped with the tools to protect those who play by the rules.

As legal practitioners and advisors, we welcome these measures. They don’t just enforce the law; they reflect the UAE’s broader commitment to an efficient, fair, and transparent labour market. For employers and reputable agencies alike, this is an opportunity to embrace best practices and build lasting, trustworthy relationships.