Hiring a domestic worker in UAE? 4 cases for recruitment fee refunds
36 domestic worker recruitment agencies face strict penalties for violations
Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has outlined four specific cases where employers are entitled to a refund of domestic worker recruitment fees. Agencies must process these refunds within two weeks of a worker’s return or the reporting of their absence. Failure to comply will result in legal and administrative action.
Employers qualify for a refund under the following conditions:
The worker is deemed incompetent or professionally unsuitable during the probation period.
The worker terminates the contract or abandons the job without valid reason.
The employer ends the contract due to the agency’s failure to meet agreed conditions.
The worker is found medically unfit during the probation period, in which case the agency must also reimburse government fees paid by the employer.
In its Labour Market magazine report, MOHRE revealed that 36 recruitment agencies faced legal and administrative action in January and February 2025. Of these, 22 agencies were penalized in February for 37 violations of the Domestic Workers Law, while 14 faced action in January for 22 infractions. The most common violations involved failing to refund recruitment fees within the required two-week period or neglecting to report a worker’s absence.
MOHRE has issued a strict warning to agencies, stressing that non-compliance will lead to firm legal action, including possible license revocation for serious breaches. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to strict monitoring to ensure compliance and protect all parties involved in employment contracts, while also recognizing agencies that adhere to regulations and provide quality services.
Zero Tolerance for Violations
MOHRE reiterated its zero-tolerance policy, warning that agencies guilty of misconduct risk losing their licenses. It pledged to maintain rigorous oversight to ensure adherence to legal and contractual obligations.
Employers are encouraged to report violations via MOHRE’s digital platforms or by calling the Legal Consultation Center at 80084. The ministry also cautioned against dealing with unlicensed agencies or unreliable social media advertisements, as such transactions could jeopardize employers’ legal rights. A list of licensed recruitment agencies in the UAE is available at www.mohre.gov.ae.
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