MoHRE fined 42 agencies for 135 violations in the first half of 2026. Most involved failing to refund recruitment fees to employers on time. This affects your rights when hiring domestic staff.
Our retelling · details in the original publication
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) penalized 42 domestic worker recruitment offices recently. These fines address violations recorded during the first half of 2026. Inspectors found a total of 135 legal and administrative breaches across these agencies.
The most common issue involved money. In 106 cases, agencies failed to refund recruitment fees to employers on time. The Domestic Workers Law is strict here: agencies must return the money within two weeks. This deadline starts once the worker returns to the office or stops working.
For employers, this enforcement is a safety net. Recruitment costs are substantial, and you should not have to chase agencies for refunds. The ministry’s actions show a commitment to holding recruiters accountable for financial obligations.
If you hire domestic staff, check your agency's refund policy immediately. Do not sign contracts that waive your right to a refund within the legal timeframe. Always pay via traceable methods and keep receipts.
Being informed helps you avoid financial disputes. If an agency delays a refund, you can now report them with confidence. This regulatory pressure ensures a fairer market for domestic labor services in the UAE. Read the original publication for full details.
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