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UAE tells employers to hire domestic workers only through licensed offices
26 Aug 2026
Employers in the UAE should deal only with licensed domestic worker recruitment offices, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has warned, saying that using unlicensed individuals or agencies can mean the loss of legal protections and expose households to financial, security and health risks, as reported by Gulf News.
Licensed offices are required to comply with official prices, provide trained and qualified workers and offer a guarantee lasting two years under the regulations, the ministry said, according to Gulf News citing Al Etihad. The guidance forms part of a wider MoHRE awareness package for employers of domestic workers.
When recruitment costs can be recovered
Under the traditional recruitment package, the worker is registered under the employer and lives with the household on a two-year contract. During the first six months, the ministry says an employer can seek a replacement or reimbursement of recruitment costs in four specified cases: the worker terminates the contract without a legitimate reason, leaves the job without an acceptable reason, is medically unfit, or is unable to perform the agreed duties.
Alternatives to the traditional package
MoHRE also points to two other routes. Under a temporary package, a trained worker can be provided within 24 hours and stays registered with the recruitment office for a two-year contractual period. A flexible package allows workers registered with recruitment offices to be hired by the hour, day, week or month, with unlimited replacements and a worker provided within a maximum of 24 hours; costs vary by arrangement.
What employers owe in return
The ministry says employers also carry obligations: paying wages on time through the Wage Protection System, providing suitable accommodation and healthcare, and granting workers their stipulated leave and employment rights. Compliance on both sides, it said, is intended to create a more stable contractual relationship and reduce disputes.
Recruitment procedures, contract management and complaints can be handled through MoHRE's website and smart application, or through approved recruitment centres. The framework for the sector is set out in Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 on domestic workers and its executive regulations, which MoHRE summarises in its employer awareness guide.
Separately, MoHRE said in February 2026 that it had closed 230 social media accounts during the previous year for promoting domestic worker recruitment services without licences.
Sources
- Gulf News — UAE warns employers against using unlicensed domestic worker recruiters (24 August 2026)
- The Filipino Times — UAE cautions employers against unlicensed domestic worker agencies (24 August 2026)
- MoHRE — Awareness Package for Employers of Domestic Workers (PDF, official)
- MoHRE — 230 social media accounts closed for unlicensed recruitment promotion (11 February 2026)
JobNews.ae is a media platform, not a recruitment agency. This summary is based on official MoHRE material and reporting linked above; always verify an office's licence with MoHRE before paying any fee.