Top reasons to hire domestic workers through licensed agencies in the UAE

Dubai: If you are looking to hire a housekeeper or cook for your home in the UAE, it is mandatory to go through a licensed domestic worker agency. This was emphasised in an advisory issued on Thursday, January 16, by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

“These agencies are subject to continuous monitoring and oversight by the ministry to ensure compliance with legal standards and regulations. They also provide several exclusive benefits,” MOHRE stated on its official social media channels.

Benefits of hiring through MOHRE-certified agencies

MOHRE outlined five key advantages of working with licensed domestic worker agencies:

1. Access to well-trained domestic workers: Agencies ensure that workers are skilled and properly prepared for their roles.

2. Two-year warranty: Employers benefit from a two-year guarantee, which includes worker replacement or a refund under specific terms and conditions.

3. Transparency in recruitment costs: Certified agencies provide clear and upfront cost structures.

4. Customised service packages: Employers can choose from diverse packages tailored to meet the needs of families and individuals.

5. Fair complaint resolution: There are well-defined mechanisms for addressing grievances to protect the rights of both employers and workers.

MOHRE strongly advises residents and citizens to engage only with licensed agencies, which operate in accordance with Federal Decree-Law No. (9) of 2022 concerning domestic workers. These regulations safeguard the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved.

Refund policies for recruitment costs

Under Article 6 of Cabinet Resolution No. 106, employers may be eligible for a refund of recruitment fees in specific situations, such as:

• The worker demonstrating insufficient professional skills or improper conduct during the probation period.

• Unlawful termination of the contract by the worker or their abandonment of work.

• Contract termination by the employer due to the agency’s failure to meet agreed-upon terms in the recruitment agreement.

How to find a licensed recruitment agency

There are over 100 MOHRE-approved domestic worker service centres across the UAE. To locate a centre near you, follow these steps:

1. Visit the official MOHRE website: mohre.gov.ae.

2. Click on the ‘Services’ tab at the top menu, then select ‘Approved Services Centres’.

3. Choose the option for ‘Domestic Workers Services Centres’ to view the list of authorised agencies.