The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has issued a stern warning to private sector employers and households against hiring individuals without a valid work permit. Employers found violating this law could face up to one year in jail and fines ranging from AED 200,000 to AED 1 million.
MOHRE clarified in a Gulf News report that even employing workers on a trial basis without the proper permit is illegal. The ministry emphasized that all employees with a valid work permit are protected under UAE labor laws, and hiring undocumented workers is a direct violation of these regulations.
To curb illegal employment, MOHRE regularly conducts joint inspections with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP). If an employer is caught hiring workers without permits, they will face immediate penalties, including the suspension of their labor file, a ban on new work permits, and referral to Public Prosecution for further legal action.
The ministry reiterated that hiring domestic workers without the necessary license is a serious offense under Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022. Any individual or business engaging in unauthorized recruitment or temporary employment of domestic workers could face imprisonment of at least one year and hefty fines. The same penalties apply to those who misuse their electronic access privileges to manipulate labor procedures.
MOHRE urged employers to only hire workers through licensed recruitment agencies, which can be verified via the ministry’s website and social media channels. The government has also introduced stricter regulations, including a six-month probation period for domestic workers and mandatory two-year financial guarantees from recruitment agencies to ensure compliance and worker protection.
