The UAE is intensifying its efforts to curb illegal recruitment activities, warning of fines up to $272,000 for unlicensed firms. In 2023, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) identified 55 entities engaging in recruitment and mediation without the necessary permits, including five social media accounts, in collaboration with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).
The MoHRE imposed administrative penalties, such as fines, record restrictions, and referrals to the Public Prosecution. Social media accounts found in violation were blocked.
Under the Federal Decree-Law Regarding the Regulation of Employment Relationships, recruiting or temporarily employing domestic workers without a permit is strictly prohibited, with violators facing imprisonment of no less than a year and fines ranging from AED200,000 ($43,400) to AED1 million ($272,300).
Khalil Al Khoori, Undersecretary for Human Resources Affairs at MoHRE, emphasized the commitment to enforcing legal measures and penalties against companies involved in such activities without proper licensing. The effectiveness of MoHRE’s inspection systems, which proactively detect violations, was highlighted.
The Ministry conducts inspection visits to suspected companies to identify unlawful practices, referring violation cases to the Public Prosecution. Al Khoori encouraged community members to ensure entities advertising employment or mediation services possess permits from MoHRE, promoting rights protection and preventing fraud.
To report violations and illegal recruitment practices, the community can contact the Ministry’s call center at 600 590 000 or use the UAE MoHRE smart application.
TDRA Director-General Majed Al Mesmar reiterated the authority’s commitment to regulating the telecommunications sector and supporting digital transformation in line with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision. The TDRA collaborates with MoHRE to maintain labor market stability and foster economic development.