Dubai Police are sounding the alarm over a rise in fraudulent social media ads claiming to offer recruitment and placement services for domestic workers and support staff.
According to the Anti-Fraud Centre at the General Department of Criminal Investigation, these ads are being run by scammers whose sole aim is to trick residents into transferring money illegally, often with promises of quick placements or discounted fees.
Authorities are urging anyone looking to hire domestic help to only deal with licensed and accredited recruitment offices inside the UAE. Transferring money to individuals or companies operating outside official channels puts both employers and workers at serious risk.
Dubai Police stress that following approved recruitment procedures is the only way to protect everyone involved, including employers, domestic workers, and legitimate agencies.
The warning forms part of Dubai Police’s ongoing BewareofFraud campaign, which aims to keep residents informed about evolving scam tactics across digital platforms.
If you spot a suspicious ad or believe you’ve encountered fraud, you can report it through the Dubai Police Smart App, the eCrime platform, or by calling the non-emergency hotline 901.
What UAE law says about employing domestic workers
Under Federal Decree Law No. 21 of 2023, which amends Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2022, the law clearly sets out the rights and obligations of both employers and domestic workers. The regulations are aligned with UAE legislation and international conventions ratified by the country.
Here’s what the law strictly prohibits:
- Employing anyone under the age of 18
- Any form of discrimination based on race, colour, gender, religion, nationality, or disability
- Sexual harassment, whether verbal or physical
- Forced labour or practices that amount to human trafficking
- Physical abuse or harm of any kind
- Assigning duties that are not included in the employment contract
- Employing domestic workers in roles outside the scope of the law without approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE)