UAE authorities shut down 200 unlicensed accounts in first half of 2026.
Dubai: Families searching for domestic workers in the UAE through social media are being urged to verify that recruitment providers are properly licensed. The warning follows action by UAE authorities against around 200 social media accounts promoting unlicensed domestic worker services during the first half of 2026.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), working with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), targeted accounts offering domestic worker recruitment and employment services without the necessary licences or affiliation with recruitment agencies approved by the ministry.
Risks of unlicensed recruitment
The crackdown highlights the potential risks families face when responding to domestic worker recruitment offers advertised on social media. Such posts may attract customers with low prices, fast placements or informal hiring arrangements, but could involve providers operating outside the UAE’s regulatory framework.
MoHRE said it is strengthening its oversight of these activities through field inspections, electronic monitoring and tracking systems, as well as artificial intelligence technologies designed to identify and tackle unlawful recruitment practices.
The ministry said the measures are intended to protect employers and families while ensuring access to safe, dependable and regulated domestic worker services through authorised recruitment providers.
Why choosing a licensed office matters
According to MoHRE, dealing with a licensed Domestic Worker Recruitment Office offers safeguards that go beyond simply hiring a worker. Customers benefit from transparent contracts and clearly stated fees, recruitment procedures that comply with approved regulations, and access to official channels for submitting feedback or complaints to the ministry.
Licensed domestic worker recruitment offices are also responsible for ensuring that workers have completed all required regulatory procedures before being placed with employers.
MoHRE has urged families and employers to deal only with authorised recruitment offices and use official channels when hiring domestic workers. The ministry also advised people to verify the authenticity and source of recruitment offers or advertisements shared on social media before providing personal information or making any payments.
Licensed offices are required to follow established service-quality standards, approved pricing structures and recruitment packages. They must also ensure that domestic workers meet the prescribed requirements and are subject to ongoing monitoring and supervision by MoHRE.
Beware of suspicious offers
The ministry said these measures help maintain a transparent and regulated recruitment process while safeguarding the rights and interests of employers, families and domestic workers.
MoHRE has encouraged the public to report misleading advertisements or individuals promoting domestic worker services without the required licence by contacting the ministry on 600590000.
Residents can also verify whether a recruitment provider is authorised by checking the official list of licensed domestic worker recruitment offices on MoHRE’s website before proceeding with any service or payment.
The ministry said it will continue strengthening its digital monitoring and tracking systems in coordination with relevant authorities. The measures are aimed at identifying violations early, protecting customers from unlawful practices and building greater confidence in the UAE’s regulated domestic worker services sector.
