Dh50,000 fine: Four UAE recruitment firms were shut down for operating without a license
The employees at the establishments that violated the rules had temporary housing supplied for them.
The owners of four domestic worker recruitment companies in the United Arab Emirates were fined Dh50,000 for operating without a license, and the agencies were sealed down.
Public prosecution has been tasked with handling the four Al Ain-based agencies by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE). On their doors, the Department of Economic Development has up "closure" signs.
According to the ministry, "a temporary accommodation has been provided for the domestic workers at the violating establishments." The workers have consented to be moved to domestic worker recruitment establishments that have been approved by MoHRE.
The agencies were discovered two weeks ago during an inspection campaign carried out by the ministry in coordination with the Abu Dhabi - Al Ain branch of the Department of Economic Development and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security.
With the addition of these four, the MoHRE has fined 45 employment agencies and domestic worker agencies for operating without licenses since 2022.
A federal legislation governing the hiring of domestic workers went into effect in December of last year. Only MoHRE-approved domestic worker recruiting agencies—which are listed on the ministry's website—may be dealt with by expats and Emiratis.
The government urged locals to report illicit agencies by calling 600590000 and cautioned them against doing business with unlicensed enterprises.
"To ensure that recruitment activity is carried out exclusively by authorised domestic worker recruitment agencies, the MoHRE implements joint inspection campaigns, relying on proactive monitoring, reports from community members, and regular visits," the MoHRE stated.
Two domestic worker recruiting businesses, Shamma Al Mahairi Domestic Workers Services Centre in Dubai and Al Barq Domestic Workers Services Centre LLC in Ajman, had their licenses recently canceled by the government due to noncompliance with regulations.