Saudi Arabia cracks down on recruitment offices, penalising 17 for labour law violations

Six offices suspended, 11 licences revoked for breaches

Last updated: January 21, 2026 | 06:55

Khitam Al Amir, Chief News Editor

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The ministry said it would continue to monitor recruitment offices and impose penalties where necessary.

Agencies

Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has penalised 17 recruitment offices for violating labour regulations, in a move aimed at tightening oversight of the sector and safeguarding the rights of all parties involved.

The action followed a series of inspections conducted during the fourth quarter of 2025, which resulted in the immediate suspension of six offices, while 11 others had their licences revoked after failing to address violations within the stipulated grace period.

According to the ministry, the breaches included non-compliance with recruitment rules, delays in refunding financial dues, and the failure to resolve client complaints.

The measures form part of a broader strategy to strengthen compliance across the labour market, improve service quality, and promote a more transparent and orderly working environment.

The ministry said it would continue to monitor recruitment offices and impose penalties where necessary. It also urged beneficiaries to use the Musaned platform, which facilitates electronic contracting with accredited providers and offers tools for service evaluation and complaint tracking.

Violations can be reported through the unified hotline, 920002866, or via the Musaned mobile application.

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Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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