UAE Shuts Down 200 Social Media Accounts for Unlicensed Domestic Worker Recruitment

Authorities in the UAE have shut down approximately 200 social media accounts during the first half of this year for promoting unlicensed recruitment services for domestic workers. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has strongly advised families seeking domestic workers to thoroughly verify the legitimacy of any advertisements before making financial payments, emphasizing that employers must exclusively use licensed recruitment offices.

The closed accounts were found in direct breach of UAE employment law by advertising employment without the necessary permits and operating independently of licensed agencies. In a coordinated effort, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation worked alongside the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority to identify and terminate these fraudulent operations utilizing field inspection teams, electronic monitoring, and artificial intelligence.

Officials stress that using established, licensed recruitment services is crucial as they provide legal guarantees protecting the rights of all involved parties. These offices are mandated to supply clear contracts, approved pricing, and ensure workers meet all legal requirements. Meanwhile, families can choose between hiring via a licensed office under the Domestic Workers Law or conducting direct recruitment through a ministry-approved undertaking without statutory guarantees.

Employers are bound by strict regulations, including signing a standard two-year contract, paying wages within 10 days of their due date, and providing suitable accommodation, food, work clothes, and mandatory health insurance for stay-at-home staff. Furthermore, domestic workers must be allowed to retain their personal identification documents, work a maximum of 12 hours a day with adequate rest, and receive regular weekly and annual leave alongside biennial return air tickets.

The public is encouraged to report any misleading practices or suspicious advertisements promoting unlicensed domestic worker services by contacting the designated hotline at 600 590 000.