UAE Shuts Down 230 Social Media Accounts for Unlicensed Domestic Worker Recruitment
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Authorities crack down on illegal recruiters to protect workers and employers.
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The UAE has taken action against 230 social media accounts promoting domestic worker recruitment without proper licences, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) announced on Wednesday.
Why the Accounts Were Shut
The accounts were not affiliated with licensed recruitment offices, violating the Domestic Workers Law. The ministry reminded employers to only work with licensed agencies to avoid legal trouble and protect workers’ rights.
Closures were carried out in cooperation with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, with the ministry’s digital system ensuring compliance and protecting all parties involved.
What the Law Says
The Domestic Labour Law, updated in 2022, strengthened protections for domestic workers and toughened penalties for rogue recruiters and employers.
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Fines for providing false information or fake documents: Dh20,000–Dh100,000 ($5,450–$27,230) and up to six months in prison.
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Hiring unlicensed workers or misusing domestic worker permits: Dh50,000–Dh200,000.
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Attempting to employ a worker without a permit or misusing ministry portals: Dh200,000–Dh1 million and up to one year in prison.
The law also holds agencies accountable for unpaid wages if they shut down operations.
Warning Signs for Employers
Authorities urge residents to be cautious online. Last month, a Dubai woman lost Dh10,000 to scammers posing as a recruitment office through social media. The scammers requested multiple payments for a “worker delivery” and disappeared after the final transfer.
MOHRE encourages anyone spotting misleading adverts to report them via 600590000, and a list of licensed recruitment offices is available on the ministry’s website.
With these measures, the UAE is aiming to keep domestic worker recruitment safe, fair, and transparent for everyone.