The UAE has stepped up enforcement of labour regulations governing the domestic work sector, issuing 135 fines against 42 domestic worker recruitment offices during the first half of 2026. The move signals the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s (MoHRE) continued focus on improving accountability and raising compliance standards across the country’s domestic labour market.
According to the ministry, 106 of the recorded violations involved recruitment offices failing to refund all or part of recruitment fees to employers within the legally mandated two-week period after domestic workers either absconded or were returned. Under UAE regulations, employers are entitled to these refunds in specified circumstances, including when workers are found medically unfit or unsuitable for the role.
The remaining 29 violations related to recruitment agencies failing to comply with approved procedures governing domestic worker recruitment activities. While the ministry did not disclose the value of the penalties, it confirmed that administrative and financial measures had been taken against the offending agencies.
The enforcement drive forms part of MoHRE’s broader strategy to strengthen trust in the domestic worker recruitment system through inspections, continuous monitoring and compliance evaluations. The ministry said these measures are designed to protect the rights of all parties, reduce labour disputes and promote a culture of regulatory compliance across the sector.
The latest action follows a series of enforcement measures introduced this year. In February, the UAE shut down 12 unlicensed domestic worker recruitment offices after uncovering widespread illegal recruitment practices. Authorities also reported detecting 300 violations across 57 recruitment offices during 2025, underscoring their ongoing efforts to tighten regulation of the domestic employment ecosystem.
