The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has issued a stern warning to private sector businesses and employers: hiring individuals without a valid work permit is illegal, even for trial periods or temporary roles — including domestic workers.
No Loopholes: Trial Hiring is Still a Violation
MOHRE made it clear that attempting to “regularise” a worker’s status by hiring them on a trial basis before obtaining a permit is strictly prohibited. In its latest Human Resources Magazine, the ministry stressed that anyone with a valid MOHRE work permit is protected by UAE labour laws. Employers who hire without a permit will be in direct violation of the UAE Labour Relations Law.
Tough Crackdown on Illegal Hiring
To combat illegal employment, MOHRE, in partnership with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), conducts regular inspections across the country. If caught hiring undocumented workers, employers face severe penalties, including:
- Immediate suspension of their labour file
- A ban on new domestic worker permits
- Referral to Public Prosecution for legal action and financial penalties
These measures align with Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 on Domestic Workers, which bans unlicensed hiring and mandates strict legal compliance.
Harsh Penalties for Violations
Hiring domestic workers without a valid permit is a serious offence that can lead to:
- At least one year in prison
- Fines between Dh200,000 and Dh1 million
The same penalties apply to anyone misusing MOHRE’s electronic systems for fraudulent employment activities. The ministry also warned that undocumented workers pose health and social risks to employers and their families.
Only Hire Through Licensed Agencies
MOHRE urged employers to only use licensed recruitment agencies, which can be verified via its official website and social media pages. These agencies operate under strict government supervision, ensuring quality service and compliance with labour laws.
Protection for Employers and Workers
The UAE has introduced key legislative reforms to enhance worker and employer rights, including:
- The probation period for domestic workers extended from three to six months
- Mandatory two-year financial guarantees from recruitment agencies
- Clear refund policies for recruitment fees under specific conditions
Flexible Work Permits for Businesses
MOHRE also highlighted its variety of legal work permits, including:
- Part-time work permits – allowing employees to work reduced hours or days
- Juvenile work permits – for workers aged 15 to 18 under legal conditions
By enforcing these rules, MOHRE aims to maintain a fair and transparent labour market, ensuring compliance with UAE labour laws while protecting the rights of both workers and employers.
(Source: GN)
