The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has issued a warning to private sector businesses and employers against hiring individuals without valid work permits, including those on trial periods or domestic workers.
As highlighted in MOHRE’s latest Human Resources Magazine update, any worker holding a MOHRE-issued permit is entitled to full protection under labor laws, and hiring without a permit violates UAE Labour Relations Law.
To control illegal employment practices, MOHRE and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) conduct joint inspections across the country.
Employers found hiring undocumented workers face administrative penalties, such as the suspension of labor files and restrictions on domestic worker permits.
Additionally, violators may face legal action and financial fines, including referral to Public Prosecution.
These regulations align with Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 on Domestic Workers, which strictly prohibits hiring workers without valid permits or allowing them to work for others unlawfully.
Offenders risk severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines ranging from Dh200,000 to Dh1 million.
MOHRE has advised employers to only use licensed recruitment agencies, verified through official channels, to ensure compliance with labor laws.
Recent legislative updates have also extended probation periods for domestic workers, introduced mandatory financial guarantees from recruitment agencies, and established clear refund policies for recruitment and employment fees under specific conditions.
MOHRE continues to enforce these laws to protect worker rights and uphold labor market standards.