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UAE: Fines from Dh200,000 to Dh1 million for hiring workers without valid permit 

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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)

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Health

Free annual check-ups coming for Filipino workers under new health initiative

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Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the UAE and other parts of the world will soon receive free annual medical check-ups while working abroad, thanks to a new government-backed effort aimed at protecting their health and well-being.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced yesterday that the initiative will be funded through its AKSYON Fund, a support mechanism designed to assist OFWs in urgent need. The plan was confirmed by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac during a Senate inquiry earlier that day, where concerns over irregular and costly medical exams were raised.

“We will fund follow-through medical check-ups for our OFWs through the AKSYON Fund to ensure their health and welfare while they are abroad and before they return home,” Cacdac told the committee.

The AKSYON Fund (short for Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan) will cover routine health monitoring not only during an OFW’s deployment but also ahead of their repatriation.

A Response to Medical Irregularities

The move came after Senator Raffy Tulfo raised red flags about questionable practices in pre-employment medical exams, including reports of overcharging and lack of transparency by some clinics.

Tulfo specifically mentioned SuperCare Medical Services, Inc. (SMSI), a maritime clinic reportedly billing OFWs between Dh79 (PHP1,200) to Dh86 (PHP1,300 ) for initial and repeat tests without sufficient explanation. He urged the DMW to formalise a partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) through a memorandum of agreement (MOA), ensuring that all clinics conducting OFW medical clearances are properly regulated.

“Medical clinics must coordinate with and be accredited by the DOH to prevent exploitation and ensure proper care,” Tulfo said.

Ensuring Accountability

In response, Secretary Cacdac clarified that private recruitment agencies (PRAs) are currently responsible for pre-employment medical exams. However, the DMW maintains the authority to investigate and take action against any agency involved in malpractice.

A Healthier Future for OFWs

This initiative is a significant step forward in safeguarding the health of Filipino workers abroad, especially amid rising living costs and the often-overlooked burden of out-of-pocket medical expenses.

(Source: PNA)

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Crime

UAE: Up to Dh2 million for social media violations under new media rules

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Individuals promoting content or advertising on social media in the UAE will soon need to follow stricter rules under a new comprehensive regulatory system introduced by the UAE Media Council.

The new framework, announced this week, is designed to build public trust, protect viewers, especially children and adolescents, and raise the quality of online media content. It also outlines heavy penalties for violations, with fines reaching up to Dh1 million for first-time offences and up to Dh2 million for repeat breaches. In serious cases, violators could face temporary or permanent shutdowns, along with permit revocations.

“The new system transforms the way the media sector is regulated and developed,” said Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council. 

“It combines updated legislation, comprehensive services, and forward-looking policies to support sustainable growth.”

Fee exemptions and local support

To encourage creativity and responsible content creation, the council announced a three-year exemption from permit fees for individuals and influencers who promote content online. This is part of a broader move to support Emirati talent and creative industries, with similar exemptions offered to local media services, producers, and writers whose work promotes national identity.

The initiative builds on last year’s Media Regulation Law and its Executive Regulation, and aims to stimulate growth in the sector while maintaining strong ethical and professional standards.

New age-rating and licensing systems

A key feature of the new regulations includes a media age-rating system, ensuring that content shared online is appropriate for different age groups, especially young viewers.

The council is also developing a new licensing policy for digital news platforms, with a focus on enhancing credibility and journalistic standards. The goal is to create a balanced legal environment that supports responsible reporting while safeguarding freedom of expression.

The updated system also outlines resolutions related to media service fees, violations, and administrative penalties, offering clearer guidelines for all stakeholders in the media landscape.

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News

Save 35% on Abu Dhabi traffic fines with ‘Pay Early, Gain Surely’ campaign

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Motorists in Abu Dhabi can now save up to 35% on traffic fines, thanks to the ongoing ‘Pay Early, Gain Surely’ initiative by Abu Dhabi Police.

Under the scheme:

  • A 35% discount is available if fines are paid within 60 days of the violation.
  • A 25% discount applies if payment is made after 60 days but within one year.
  • Serious traffic offences, such as reckless driving or dangerous overtaking, are not eligible for any discount.

Interest-free instalments 

Beyond discounts, motorists also have the option to pay fines in interest-free instalments over 12 months through select partner banks. To access this, users must apply for the plan within two weeks of making a payment.

Up until now, several motorists have benefited from the “Pay Early, Gain Surely” initiative.

The campaign is part of wider efforts by the Traffic and Security Patrols Directorate, in collaboration with the Community Police Department, to improve road safety, promote timely fine settlement, and enhance public awareness. 

Awareness drive

Workshops, community events, and social media videos form part of the awareness drive, alongside informative brochures distributed on the roads.

Officials say the goal is not only to make fine payments easier but also to promote positivity and reduce financial strain on motorists through flexible, user-friendly services.

Fines can be paid through digital platforms such as the Tamm Smart App, making it easier for residents to stay up to date and avoid penalties for delayed payment.

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