The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has taken decisive enforcement action against a domestic worker recruitment agency operating in Ajman, revoking its licence after confirming serious violations of domestic labour regulations. The move reflects the UAE government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight, enhance transparency, and protect the rights of domestic workers across the country.
According to MoHRE, the decision followed extensive findings from government field inspections, compliance audits, and data gathered through the ministry’s inspection and complaints systems. These investigations identified breaches of the UAE’s Domestic Workers Law, its implementing regulations, and related ministerial decisions governing the licensing and operation of domestic worker recruitment offices.
Regulatory Enforcement and Corrective Measures
MoHRE confirmed that the licence revocation was carried out in coordination with relevant local authorities, who have been notified to complete the formal revocation procedures. The ministry reiterated that it will take firm legal action against any domestic worker recruitment agency found to be operating in violation of the law, signalling a zero-tolerance approach to non-compliance in the sector.
As part of the enforcement process, the agency’s owners have been instructed to regularise the legal status of all domestic workers under their sponsorship in line with MoHRE regulations. This includes ensuring valid residency and employment documentation for affected workers and settling all administrative fines and penalties imposed as a result of the confirmed violations. These measures aim to prevent domestic workers from being adversely affected by the misconduct of recruitment intermediaries.
Legal Framework Governing Domestic Worker Services
The enforcement action was taken under Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 on Domestic Workers, which establishes the legal framework for domestic labour relations in the UAE. The law regulates recruitment practices, employment contracts, agency licensing, and the rights and obligations of both employers and workers.
The law is supported by Cabinet Resolution No. 106 of 2022, which sets out the executive regulations detailing compliance requirements, inspection powers, enforcement procedures, and penalties applicable to domestic worker recruitment agencies. Together, these regulations empower MoHRE to suspend or revoke licences, impose fines, and mandate corrective action where violations are identified.
Strengthening Oversight and Market Standards
MoHRE stated that addressing complaints and strengthening regulatory supervision remain central to its strategy to organise the domestic worker services market and raise service quality across the sector. The ministry emphasised that effective enforcement is essential to safeguarding the rights of domestic workers while also protecting employers and maintaining confidence in licensed service providers.
The ministry advised employers and customers to deal exclusively with accredited and licensed domestic worker recruitment agencies, noting that verified agency details are available through MoHRE’s official platforms. It also encouraged the public to report any negative practices or compliance concerns through its dedicated call centre, reinforcing community participation in regulatory enforcement.
Broader Implications for Employers and Agencies
The revocation highlights the increasing importance of compliance, governance, and ethical recruitment practices within the UAE’s domestic services sector. For recruitment agencies, the action serves as a reminder that regulatory breaches can result in severe penalties, including licence withdrawal. For employers, it underscores the need to engage only with authorised providers to avoid legal and operational risks.
The enforcement action aligns with the UAE’s broader labour market reforms aimed at enhancing worker protection, improving service standards, and ensuring that all stakeholders operate within a clear and accountable regulatory framework.
