MOHRE Shuts Down 30 Domestic Worker Agencies: What UAE Households Need to Know
TL;DR
- UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) recently shut 30 domestic worker agencies in just three months for violating new legal standards.
- The crackdown enforces the stringent “mohre domestic worker law”, aiming to protect families and workers alike.
- Households hiring through unlicensed or suspended agencies face legal and financial risks.
- Learn what steps families can take to hire workers legally, avoid penalties, and support transparent recruitment.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has intensified scrutiny on the domestic staffing sector, recently closing 30 agencies across the UAE for breaching the mohre domestic worker law. This sweeping action, impacting households from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, stems from a renewed push to stamp out non-compliant hiring practices, protect workers, and ensure employers follow standardised legal procedures. The closures send a clear message: hiring domestic help in the UAE now comes with heightened responsibilities—and potential risks for those who cut corners.
What the New MOHRE Enforcement Measures Mean
MOHRE’s latest actions target agencies failing to refund recruitment fees, provide clear pricing, or uphold worker welfare standards required by law. Since early 2025, authorities have penalised 30 offices caught out in these areas. Most families affected sought help through these now-suspended channels, and are urged to stop all dealings while new checks are done.
The crackdown sits squarely under the updated mohre domestic worker law, part of a shift towards fully regulated, government-approved hiring—a move already signalled by the transition to the Tadbeer system and direct oversight of all recruitment activity. With 54 approved Tadbeer centres now the only legal operators, the days of small, unregulated agencies are numbered.
Choosing a suspended or unlicensed agency has serious risks: loss of money, challenges securing a valid work visa for the helper, and even prosecution for hiring off-the-books.
Background to the Crackdown
Domestic staffing has long been vital to UAE households. Yet recent years have seen mounting complaints over fees, black market activities, and agencies “recycling” workers without proper rest or legal rights. In 2021, MOHRE closed 84 agencies for similar violations. By 2025, over 250 were shuttered since reforms began.
The government’s aim is clear: protect both families and domestic staff through regulated recruitment and fair employment conditions. Issues like delayed salary payments, lack of time off, and hiring on visit visas pushed lawmakers to act.
For those hiring, this means more transparency and predictability. For agencies, it’s a major notice to step up or close down.
How MOHRE Identifies and Sanctions Unlicensed Agencies
MOHRE’s investigations rely on:
- Worker complaints about mistreatment or withheld pay.
- Employers reporting hidden fees or broken guarantees.
- Data-matching across visa and contract systems.
- Surprise inspections at agency offices.
Penalties are direct: agencies found in violation receive official warnings, fines, licence suspension, and in repeat cases, full closure. Notably, agencies must also refund all recruitment fees if employment ends early, or the worker cannot fulfil their duties within two years of hire—part of a national guarantee against mishandling.
See media reports about agencies sanctioned for failing to provide proper refunds and transparency here.
Implications for Employers and Households
If you’re a UAE household employer, here’s what this means for you:
- Always use a MOHRE-licensed Tadbeer centre for recruitment.
- Avoid agencies flagged or recently closed—using them can invalidate your contracts and lead to fines.
- Ensure all payments and agreements are well documented.
- Report any agency that requests cash or refuses to share official paperwork.
You can find guidance, complaint channels, and updates on enforcement through the MOHRE website.
Rights, Rules, and Responsibilities for UAE Employers under the MOHRE Domestic Worker Law
Key Provisions of the MOHRE Domestic Worker Law
The law puts clear responsibilities on each employer’s shoulders:
- Only hire through officially licensed agencies.
- Use written, MOHRE-approved contracts that spell out the worker’s rights, job duties, salary, and rest periods.
- Pay wages on time, at least monthly, through recognised payment channels.
- Document everything, from recruitment fees to contract renewals.
For more insights into common legal and compliance mistakes, especially if you’re new to the UAE, review common mistakes to avoid when moving to the UAE.
Important Rights of Domestic Workers
Workers are legally guaranteed:
- Clear working hours and weekly time off.
- Prompt payment each month.
- Health and safety at work, including basic dignity and respect.
- Access to legal channels for complaints or disputes.
UAE authorities encourage prompt reporting of any rights violations. See the federal domestic worker law for the latest details.
Employer Responsibilities for Ongoing Compliance
Staying compliant means more than good intentions. Employers must:
- Renew staff contracts on time.
- Monitor salary payments and days off.
- Keep all MOHRE documents safe for reference.
- Report employment issues (disputes, absconding) promptly through official channels.
Households should regularly check agency status via MOHRE’s directories or helplines.
Practical Steps for Legal Hiring and Compliance
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko
Hiring the right way is now a clear process. Here’s your one-page guide to staying safe and legal:
- Start with a reputable Tadbeer centre or other MOHRE-licensed agency.
- Ask to see the agency’s MOHRE license and track record.
- Insist on a clear written contract before any payments.
- Retain all transaction receipts and official documents.
- Double-check the worker’s visa and contract registration on the MOHRE system.
- Monitor compliance throughout the worker’s stay—especially salary, time off, and renewals.
How to Select a Licensed Domestic Worker Agency
- Visit MOHRE’s approved agencies list or the Tadbeer network.
- Read Google reviews and community feedback for any complaints.
- Be wary if the agency:
- Offers ultra-low rates,
- Requests cash upfront,
- Withholds written agreements,
- Avoids using official Tadbeer or MOHRE paperwork.
Documentation and Contracts: What Employers Need
Essential paperwork includes:
- Worker’s valid UAE entry permit and Emirates ID;
- Full employment contract, signed by both parties and agency;
- Proof of payment for all fees;
- Ongoing salary payment evidence through bank/WPS;
- Renewals and visa updates as required.
Where to Get Help and More Information
- MOHRE customer service
- The Tadbeer contact centre
- Community centres and social media groups dedicated to domestic staff and HR
If you suspect wrongdoing, report it to the hotline or nearest Tadbeer centre immediately.
Conclusion
The MOHRE crackdown highlights a new era for domestic staffing in the UAE—one where accountability, transparency, and worker protection sit front and centre. Families must keep pace with these changes or risk fines, service disruption, and lost funds. By working only through licensed agencies, keeping thorough records, and staying informed, your household can secure safe, legal, and respectful support at home. For wider community updates and more guides, follow the latest UAE news roundup.
UAE Household Employer’s Quick Guide
Download: UAE Legal Domestic Staff Hiring Checklist
- Verify agency’s MOHRE/Tadbeer licence
- Use MOHRE-approved contract templates
- Insist on fully registered contracts
- Keep proof of all payments and renewals
- Confirm worker’s visa through MOHRE portal
- Report issues via official channels
Bookmark this checklist and stay one step ahead—protect your family, your finances, and your domestic staff.
References & Further Reading
- MOHRE New Rules 2025
- UAE: 30 domestic worker hiring agencies penalised
- Federal Decree-Law No.9 of 2022
- Domestic Worker Agency Enforcement
