The UAE has intensified its commitment to protecting families and domestic workers by shutting down 230 illegal domestic worker recruitment accounts as part of a nationwide enforcement campaign. The action, carried out during 2025, reflects a broader effort to ensure that recruitment services operate within legal frameworks and uphold the rights of all parties involved.
The crackdown was led by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation in coordination with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority. Together, the authorities targeted unauthorised social media accounts that were offering domestic worker recruitment services without the required licences.
Coordinated Digital Enforcement
Officials confirmed that the 230 illegal domestic worker recruitment accounts were identified through strict digital monitoring systems. These accounts were promoting hiring services outside the legal framework established under the UAE Domestic Workers Law.
Many of the operators behind these accounts were not affiliated with licensed recruitment agencies. By operating without approval, they bypassed mandatory procedures designed to protect both employers and workers. Authorities stressed that such activities undermine transparency, accountability and worker welfare.
The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority played a key role in blocking the unauthorised platforms. By working closely with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the regulator helped ensure swift removal of misleading advertisements and fraudulent recruitment offers circulating online.
Protecting Families and Workers
Domestic workers play an essential role in many households across the UAE. From childcare to eldercare and household management, their contribution allows families to function smoothly. However, when recruitment takes place outside regulated channels, both employers and workers can face serious risks.
Officials warned that dealing with unlicensed providers may result in families losing legal protections. Without proper documentation and approved contracts, disputes can become complicated and costly. Additionally, illegal recruitment channels often fail to conduct mandatory medical examinations, background checks and proper visa processing.
For domestic workers, the risks can be even greater. Unregulated recruitment may lead to unclear contract terms, unpaid wages or unsafe working conditions. The UAE’s legal framework is designed to safeguard workers’ rights, ensuring fair treatment, clear agreements and access to dispute resolution mechanisms.
By shutting down the 230 illegal accounts, authorities reaffirmed their focus on maintaining safe, ethical and transparent recruitment practices.
Reinforcing Licensing Rules
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation emphasised that only licensed recruitment offices are authorised to provide domestic worker services in the country. These offices must comply with approved standards, including fixed pricing structures, contractual transparency and adherence to labour laws.
Licensed agencies are subject to routine inspections and monitoring to ensure compliance. This oversight guarantees that employers receive verified workers and that workers enter the country under lawful, clearly defined conditions.
Authorities highlighted that recruitment agencies operating without a licence are in direct violation of the law. The closure of the 230 accounts serves as a warning to individuals and entities attempting to exploit digital platforms for illegal gain.
A Broader National Strategy
The action forms part of a larger national strategy to strengthen oversight in the labour market. Over the years, the UAE has introduced comprehensive reforms aimed at improving working conditions, enhancing transparency and digitising services to reduce fraud.
The government has invested heavily in digital systems that allow real-time monitoring of advertisements and online activities. This ensures faster detection of suspicious accounts and more effective enforcement. The collaboration between government entities demonstrates a unified approach to tackling illegal recruitment practices.
Officials praised the coordinated effort between regulatory bodies, noting that digital enforcement has become a crucial tool in protecting households from fraudulent schemes.
Public Awareness and Responsibility
Authorities are also calling on residents to play their part in maintaining a safe recruitment environment. Employers are urged to verify the legitimacy of recruitment agencies before signing any agreements.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation encourages families to consult the official list of licensed recruitment offices available on its website. Residents can also report suspicious advertisements or illegal practices by contacting the ministry’s hotline at 600590000.
Public awareness is considered a key pillar of enforcement. By verifying agencies and reporting questionable offers, residents can help authorities prevent further violations and protect vulnerable workers from exploitation.
Ensuring Fair Pricing and Standards
Another major concern surrounding illegal recruitment accounts is unregulated pricing. Unlicensed operators often advertise lower fees to attract families, but these deals may come with hidden costs or incomplete documentation.
Licensed recruitment offices are required to follow approved pricing regulations. These regulations are designed to protect consumers from overcharging while ensuring that workers receive fair compensation and proper documentation.
The crackdown on illegal accounts supports a fair marketplace where legitimate agencies can operate without unfair competition from unauthorised entities.
Building Trust in the Recruitment Process
For many families, hiring a domestic worker is an important decision that impacts daily life. Trust and transparency are essential. By removing 230 illegal accounts, authorities have taken a strong step toward preserving confidence in the recruitment system.
The enforcement drive reflects the UAE’s broader commitment to upholding labour rights and maintaining high service standards. Officials reiterated that enforcement efforts will continue, with both digital monitoring and field inspections playing a role in identifying future violations.
The message from authorities is clear: recruitment services must operate within the legal framework, and any attempt to bypass regulations will be addressed firmly.
Moving Forward
The closure of 230 illegal domestic worker recruitment accounts underscores the UAE’s determination to protect families, workers and legitimate businesses. Through coordinated digital enforcement and public cooperation, the government aims to create a secure and transparent recruitment environment.
As monitoring systems continue to evolve, authorities are confident that similar violations will be identified more quickly. For residents, the guidance remains simple—always deal with licensed agencies and verify credentials before proceeding.
In safeguarding recruitment standards, the UAE not only protects households but also reinforces its commitment to fairness, accountability and human dignity in the labour market.
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