Most violations involved failure to refund recruitment fees to employers within the legally mandated timeframe
Dubai: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) issued 135 fines against 42 domestic worker recruitment offices during the first half of 2026 for violations of the Federal Decree-Law on Domestic Workers and its Executive Regulations.
The ministry said it also imposed the necessary administrative and financial penalties as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen oversight of the domestic worker recruitment sector, protect the rights of all parties and enhance confidence in licensed recruitment offices.
Refund violations account for majority of cases
MoHRE said the most common violation involved the failure of some recruitment offices to refund all or part of recruitment fees to employers within the timeframe specified by regulations.
A total of 106 violations were recorded in cases where employers returned domestic workers to recruitment offices or reported them absent from work.
Under the Executive Regulations of the Federal Decree-Law on Domestic Workers, recruitment offices must refund the amounts due within two weeks from the date a domestic worker is returned or their absence is reported.
The ministry stressed that compliance with refund procedures is essential to protecting employers’ rights, maintaining balance in contractual relationships and preventing disputes that could negatively affect customer experience.
Additional breaches recorded
MoHRE also recorded 29 violations involving recruitment offices that failed to comply with approved procedures and conditions governing domestic worker recruitment activities.
The ministry said the relevant administrative penalties were imposed in accordance with applicable regulations.
High compliance among licensed offices
Despite the violations, MoHRE praised the high level of compliance demonstrated by many licensed recruitment offices across the UAE.
It said compliant offices have continued to adhere to approved regulations while maintaining strong standards of transparency and service quality, describing them as key partners in developing the domestic worker recruitment system.
The UAE currently has 138 licensed and active domestic worker recruitment offices.
MoHRE said it monitors their performance through an integrated oversight system that includes inspections, monitoring and continuous evaluation aimed at promoting compliance, encouraging best practices and addressing violations.
Employers urged to report complaints
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to dealing with violations firmly and transparently and urged employers to report complaints or negative practices through its digital channels or by contacting its Labour Claims and Advisory Centre on 80084.
MoHRE also advised employers to deal only with licensed recruitment offices listed on its website, www.mohre.gov.ae, and to review all approved regulations and procedures before signing contracts.
