MoHRE outlines rules, protections and responsibilities for hiring domestic workers.
Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has clarified the procedures for recruiting domestic workers in the UAE, outlining two available options: hiring through MoHRE-licensed recruitment agencies or arranging direct recruitment without an intermediary.
The ministry explained that each option involves specific procedures, legal protections and responsibilities, enabling employers to select the method that best meets their requirements while being fully aware of their rights and obligations before signing an employment contract. MoHRE also noted that direct recruitment is not covered by the guarantees provided under the Domestic Workers Law.
Legal protection
MoHRE stated that the standard recruitment process is conducted through agencies licensed and approved by the ministry, based on a contract between the employer and the recruitment agency. This agreement ensures that the employment relationship is regulated by the provisions and guarantees established under the Domestic Workers Law, offering employers legal protection in situations covered by the statutory guarantee.
The ministry added that employers who hire domestic workers through licensed recruitment agencies are entitled to a two-year guarantee covering situations where a worker absconds or declines to continue working.
Employers may also be eligible to recover part of the recruitment fees if either of the following circumstances occurs after the probation period and before the employment contract expires:
The ministry explained that employers may be eligible for a partial refund of recruitment costs in the following cases:
- The domestic worker terminates the contract after the probation period without a valid reason; or
- The domestic worker leaves employment after the probation period without an acceptable justification.
The refundable amount is calculated on a proportional basis, taking into account the remaining months of the employment contract in relation to the total recruitment cost.
Full employer responsibility
MoHRE clarified that direct recruitment is conducted without the involvement of an intermediary and is based on an undertaking signed by the employer and approved by the ministry. Under this arrangement, the employer assumes full responsibility for the recruitment process and does not receive the guarantees provided under the Domestic Workers Law for workers recruited through licensed agencies.
The ministry reiterated that employers who opt for direct recruitment cannot rely on any previous or subsequent agreement or contract to claim a statutory guarantee for the domestic worker. They remain fully responsible for completing all recruitment procedures and for any legal implications arising from the process.
The ministry added that all 138 licensed domestic worker recruitment agencies operating across the UAE are governed by a comprehensive regulatory framework that includes inspections, continuous monitoring and regular performance assessments. These measures aim to enhance service standards and encourage professional best practices throughout the sector.
Licensed recruitment agencies or direct hiring?
How the UAE regulates domestic worker recruitment while protecting the rights of families and workers
With demand for domestic workers continuing to rise across the UAE, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has strengthened its regulatory framework to balance household requirements with worker protections while addressing unauthorised recruitment practices.
The ministry explained that domestic workers can be recruited through two primary channels: licensed recruitment agencies operating under MoHRE’s oversight, or direct recruitment from abroad without the involvement of an intermediary. However, the two options differ in terms of legal safeguards, employer responsibilities and procedural requirements.
Licensed recruitment agencies: A comprehensive protection framework
Recruiting domestic workers through licensed recruitment agencies remains the most secure option for employers and families, as these agencies operate under the direct supervision of MoHRE and are required to meet strict legal and regulatory requirements.
Licensed agencies offer a wide range of services, including:
- Recruiting domestic workers from overseas.
- Providing domestic workers who are already residing in the UAE.
- Completing all required legal and administrative procedures.
- Delivering pre-employment training for workers.
- Offering support services after recruitment.
- Replacing workers or refunding recruitment fees in cases specified under the law.
According to the ministry, engaging licensed recruitment agencies gives employers clear legal protections, including ensuring that agencies are responsible for addressing contractual matters during the guarantee period in line with applicable regulations.
138 licensed recruitment agencies across the UAE
The UAE currently has 138 licensed domestic worker recruitment agencies operating nationwide. These agencies are subject to continuous monitoring and oversight by MoHRE to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations governing the sector.
The ministry assesses these agencies through a comprehensive monitoring system that evaluates service quality, compliance with contractual obligations and the effectiveness of complaint handling. This oversight framework promotes transparency and helps safeguard the rights of all parties involved.
Direct recruitment: An option without statutory guarantees
MoHRE also permits employers to recruit domestic workers directly from outside the UAE without engaging a licensed recruitment agency.
Under this option, employers can enter into a direct employment agreement with workers and complete all required legal procedures through the government-approved digital platforms.
However, the ministry stressed that direct recruitment does not come with the legal guarantees available through licensed recruitment agencies. Employers who choose this option assume full responsibility for selecting the worker, completing the recruitment process and addressing any issues that may arise after the worker arrives in the UAE.
Employers opting for direct recruitment are also not eligible for replacement services or recruitment fee refunds that are available when hiring through licensed agencies.
Why does the ministry encourage the use of licensed agencies?
Labour market experts say licensed domestic worker recruitment agencies provide several key benefits, including:
- Reducing the risks associated with unauthorised or irregular recruitment practices.
- Ensuring workers complete required medical examinations and security checks.
- Verifying the accuracy of contracts and official documentation.
- Providing a clear legal framework for resolving disputes.
- Protecting the rights and interests of both employers and workers throughout the employment relationship.
Having a licensed intermediary also helps reduce disputes linked to a worker’s ability to perform assigned duties or meet the agreed recruitment requirements.
A balanced system that protects both parties
The UAE’s domestic worker regulatory framework reflects a balanced legislative approach designed to protect the rights of both employers and workers. It establishes clear responsibilities for each party while regulating key aspects of employment, including working hours, leave entitlements, rest periods, wages and mechanisms for resolving disputes.
At the same time, MoHRE continues to enhance its digital services, allowing employers to complete recruitment procedures and sign employment contracts electronically. These initiatives help streamline processes, reduce completion times, improve service efficiency and strengthen transparency across the sector.
Raising public awareness
The ministry has encouraged employers to familiarise themselves with the key differences between the two recruitment options before selecting the most suitable method for their needs.
While licensed recruitment agencies offer a comprehensive framework of legal protections and post-recruitment support, direct recruitment provides greater flexibility but places full responsibility on the employer and does not include the statutory guarantees available through licensed agencies.
Through this balanced approach, the UAE continues to develop a modern regulatory framework for the domestic worker sector, combining efficient procedures, strong legal safeguards and effective oversight to foster stable employment relationships and deliver high-quality services to households across the country.
