UAE: 1 year jail, up to Dh1m fine for hiring workers without permit
MOHRE conducting joint inspections with ICP to detect violators
Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has warned private sector establishments and employers against hiring individuals without a valid work permit issued by the ministry, even on a trial basis, whether in establishments or as domestic workers.
The ministry emphasised that employing a worker in violation of labour laws for trial purposes to “regularise” their status is strictly prohibited.
In its latest edition of Human Resources Magazine, published on its official website, the ministry stated that any individual who obtains a work permit from MOHRE is covered by labour laws. Employers who hire workers without a valid permit are considered in violation of the UAE Labour Relations Law.
Illegal employment
MOHRE conducts regular joint inspections in collaboration with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) to detect illegal employment across the country. If an employer is found hiring undocumented workers, immediate administrative penalties are imposed, including:
Immediate suspension of the employer’s labour file.
Denial of new work permits for domestic workers.
Referral to the Public Prosecution for financial and legal penalties.
These measures are in line with Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 on Domestic Workers and its Executive Regulations, which strictly prohibit hiring domestic workers without a valid permit or allowing them to work for others without legal compliance.
MOHRE stressed that hiring domestic workers without a licence is a serious offense, punishable by a minimum of one year in prison and fines ranging from Dh200,000 to DH1 million, in accordance with Article 27 of the Federal Decree-Law on Domestic Workers.
The law states:“Anyone who engages in recruitment or temporary employment of domestic workers without a license will face imprisonment of no less than one year and a fine between Dh200,000 and Dh1 million, or both. The same penalty applies to those who misuse electronic access privileges granted to them by MOHRE, leading to violations in labor procedures, employment relationships, or ministry regulations.”
The ministry further warned that employing undocumented domestic workers or allowing them to work for third parties without legal regularization is a serious legal violation that poses health and social risks to employers and their families.
MOHRE urged employers to only engage licensed recruitment agencies, which can be verified through its official website and social media pages. These agencies operate under the ministry’s supervision, ensuring high-quality services for both Emirati and expatriate households.
The ministry reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy for labour law violations, noting that recent legislative amendments have strengthened protections for both workers and employers. These include:
Extending the probation period for domestic workers from three months to six months, benefiting employers.
Mandatory two-year financial guarantees from recruitment agencies, ensuring greater security for employers.
Clear refund policies for recruitment and employment fees under specific conditions, as outlined in the Executive Regulations.
Part-time work permits
MOHRE also highlighted its flexible work permit system, which allows private sector establishments to legally employ workers under different categories of permits. Among these is the part-time work permit, enabling businesses to hire employees on reduced working hours or days compared to full-time counterparts.
Additionally, juvenile work permits are available for individuals aged 15 to 18, allowing them to work under specific legal conditions set by MOHRE.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to regulating employment practices and ensuring compliance with UAE labor laws to protect both workers and employers.
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