UAE warns employers against using unlicensed domestic worker recruiters

Abu Dhabi: UAE employers hiring domestic workers have been advised that they may be entitled to recover all or part of their recruitment costs in certain cases, as authorities step up efforts to explain the legal protections governing the sector.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation said employers should deal only with licensed domestic worker recruitment offices, warning that using unlicensed individuals or agencies could result in the loss of legal protections and expose families to financial, security and health risks.

Licensed recruitment offices are required to comply with official prices, provide trained and qualified workers and offer a guarantee lasting two years under the regulations, the ministry said, according to Al Etihad newspaper.

The ministry said the legal framework allows employers to recover all or part of recruitment costs in circumstances set out by law, giving households additional protection when recruitment arrangements do not proceed as expected.

Under the traditional recruitment package, a domestic worker is registered under the employer and lives with the household for a two-year contract period. During the first six months, the employer can seek a replacement or reimbursement of recruitment costs in four specified cases.

These include a worker terminating the contract without a legitimate reason, leaving the job without an acceptable reason, being medically unfit or being unable to perform the agreed duties.

The ministry said employers also have responsibilities under the law, including paying wages on time through the Wage Protection System, providing suitable accommodation and healthcare and granting workers their stipulated leave and employment rights.

It said compliance by both sides was intended to create a more stable contractual relationship and reduce disputes.

The ministry has also highlighted alternatives to the traditional recruitment model. Under a temporary package, a trained and qualified domestic worker can be provided within 24 hours and remains registered with the recruitment office for a two-year contractual period.

A flexible package allows workers registered with recruitment offices to be hired by the hour, day, week or month. Costs vary according to the arrangement, while the package includes trained workers, unlimited replacements and provision of a worker within a maximum of 24 hours.

The guidance is part of a broader awareness package aimed at helping employers understand their rights and obligations from the recruitment stage through the duration of the employment relationship.

The ministry said digital services available through its website and smart application allow employers to complete recruitment procedures, manage contracts, access services and submit inquiries or complaints. Approved recruitment centres also provide the same regulated route for hiring domestic workers.

The awareness material also covers health insurance arrangements for domestic workers and the protections available to both workers and employers in cases covered by the insurance system.

The ministry said its wider objective was to regulate relations between employers and domestic workers while maintaining a balance between the rights and responsibilities of both parties and ensuring appropriate working conditions under UAE legislation.