The majority of breaches involved recruitment offices failing to process employer refunds within the mandated two-week period.
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 penalties, comprising administrative and financial measures, were imposed following inspections that identified breaches of regulations governing domestic worker recruitment services across the UAE.
Late employer refunds made up most reported breaches.
According to MoHRE, the most frequent violation involved recruitment offices failing to fully refund, or partially refund, recruitment fees to employers within the legally specified timeframe.
The ministry recorded 106 cases of delayed refunds, including instances where employers returned domestic workers to recruitment offices or reported that workers had stopped attending their jobs.
Under the Executive Regulations of the Federal Decree-Law on Domestic Workers, recruitment offices are required to refund the applicable amount within two weeks from the date a domestic worker is returned to the office or an absence from work is reported.
MoHRE said adherence to refund obligations is crucial to safeguarding employers’ rights, ensuring fairness in contractual arrangements, and helping prevent disputes between parties.
29 offices violated recruitment procedures
The ministry also recorded 29 violations involving recruitment offices that failed to follow approved requirements and procedures regulating domestic worker recruitment activities.
MoHRE said the appropriate administrative penalties were imposed in line with the applicable regulations.
138 licensed recruitment offices operate in the UAE
The UAE currently has 138 licensed and active domestic worker recruitment offices, according to MoHRE.
The ministry said it continues to monitor these offices through inspections, performance tracking, and regular evaluations aimed at identifying violations, promoting compliance, and raising service standards across the sector.
The ministry added that the monitoring system is aimed not only at identifying violations but also at encouraging professional standards and ensuring the sector operates efficiently and transparently.
Employers urged to report violations
MoHRE said its inspection and monitoring framework remains in place to review complaints from employers and take appropriate action against recruitment offices found to be breaching regulations.
The ministry encouraged customers to report suspected violations through its digital platforms or by contacting the Labour Claims and Advisory Centre on 80084.
The ministry also advised employers to engage only with licensed recruitment offices listed on its official website and to familiarise themselves with relevant regulations before entering into contracts to help safeguard their rights.
