The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Registration Authority (ADRA), has shut down 11 unlicensed domestic worker recruitment offices in Al Ain.
The closures were enforced after inspections revealed that these offices were either operating without proper authorisation or using licences issued outside Abu Dhabi, breaching the Domestic Workers Law and its implementing regulations.
Penalties and Legal Action
MoHRE confirmed that the offending offices faced administrative, financial, and legal penalties, with all cases referred to the Public Prosecution for further action. The ministry praised ADRA’s efforts in facilitating the closures, highlighting the importance of collaboration between federal and local authorities in upholding regulations.
Public Complaints and Consumer Protection
According to MoHRE, the decision followed several complaints from residents, who reported that the unlicensed offices frequently failed to meet contractual obligations with families and employers. The ministry stressed its continued commitment to monitoring recruitment activities across the country to safeguard rights and ensure compliance with established laws.
MoHRE urged members of the public to only engage with licensed recruitment agencies to avoid fraudulent practices and potential risks to health and security. An updated list of authorised service providers is available through the ministry’s official website.
Broader Crackdown on Violations
The closures form part of MoHRE’s wider efforts to regulate the domestic worker recruitment sector. Earlier this year, 40 recruitment offices were penalised in the first half of 2025 following the detection of 140 violations of the Domestic Workers Law.
In the same period, 77 unauthorised social media accounts promoting unlicensed recruitment services were also taken down, in partnership with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).
By tightening oversight, MoHRE aims to protect families, employers, and domestic workers, while ensuring that recruitment practices in the UAE remain transparent, secure, and legally compliant.
