UAE shuts domestic worker agency over law breaches

The decision follows the agency’s violation of the commitments and regulations outlined in the Domestic Workers Law, its implementing regulations and decisions.

The violations were confirmed by the Ministry’s inspection system reports as part of its ongoing regulatory oversight of domestic workers’ recruitment offices, as well as through its complaints system and proactive response to customer complaints.

UAE domestic worker agency ban

The Ministry stressed its uncompromising stance in taking legal action against any domestic worker recruitment office proven to have committed violations, confirming that legal measures have been taken against Oud Al Reem Agency for Domestic Worker Services.

The concerned local authorities have been notified of the licence revocation decision to complete the necessary procedures.

The agency owners have also been mandated to adjust the status of domestic workers under their sponsorship in accordance with MoHRE regulations, in addition to settling all fines resulting from the violations.

The Ministry urged customers to report negative practices and any observations regarding licensed domestic worker recruitment offices by contacting its call centre at 600590000.

MoHRE reaffirmed its commitment to listening to and addressing customer complaints as part of its efforts to regulate domestic worker recruitment offices, enhance the competitiveness and leadership of the domestic worker services market, and ensure adherence to labour market rules and legislation.

This approach guarantees the rights of all parties in the contractual relationship, including employers, recruitment agencies, and domestic workers in the UAE.

MoHRE takes action

Employers were also advised to deal only with accredited and licensed agencies, whose details are available on the MoHRE website.

The Ministry warned that dealing with unlicensed parties and employing individuals in violation of regulations may result in legal accountability, as well as potential health and security risks linked to workers who are not subject to approved employment procedures.

The Ministry further affirmed that the domestic worker services market in the UAE operates according to the highest standards of governance and competitiveness, offering service packages that comply with humanitarian standards set out in the Domestic Workers Law and its implementing regulations.

This framework aims to balance the interests of customers, workers, and recruitment office owners in the UAE.

UAE workers’ rights

MoHRE commended the commitment of the majority of domestic worker recruitment offices across the country to approved legislation, highlighting their role in supporting sustainable economic growth and labour market leadership by delivering quality services and ensuring safe, healthy working environments.

The Ministry highlighted its ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency of domestic worker services through strengthened market regulation, comprehensive worker protection, and inclusion under the social protection umbrella.

Domestic worker services have also been incorporated into the Ministry’s electronic and smart services and the ‘Zero Bureaucracy’ programme.

Recent initiatives in the UAE include the launch of the domestic worker services package under the ‘Work Bundle’ services, following earlier rollouts via Dubai Now and Invest in Dubai. MoHRE also continues to provide awareness programmes for workers and recruitment office owners to enhance compliance.

MoHRE said its regulatory efforts resulted in penalties being imposed on 37 domestic worker agencies during the first half of 2025, involving a total of 107 violations.