MOHRE and ICP Join Forces to Crack Down on Illegal Employment Practices
Last updated: March 20, 2025
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has issued a stern warning to private sector companies and employers across the UAE: hiring workers without proper documentation is a serious offence with severe consequences.
According to MOHRE’s recent announcement in their Human Resources Magazine, employers are strictly prohibited from hiring individuals without a valid work permit issued by the ministry—even for trial periods. This applies to both establishment workers and domestic staff.
Zero Tolerance for Illegal Employment
The ministry clarified that trying to “regularise” a worker’s status after initially employing them illegally is against UAE labour laws. Any individual who possesses a work permit from MOHRE is protected under labour legislation, and employers who fail to comply are violating the UAE Labour Relations Law.
To enforce these regulations, MOHRE is conducting regular inspections in partnership with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) throughout the country.
Immediate Penalties for Violations
Employers caught hiring undocumented workers face swift administrative penalties, including:
- Immediate suspension of the employer’s labour file
- Denial of new work permits for domestic workers
- Referral to Public Prosecution for financial and legal action
Hefty Fines and Jail Time
The consequences are particularly severe for those hiring domestic workers without proper authorisation. According to Article 27 of Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 on Domestic Workers and its Executive Regulations, offenders face:
- Minimum one-year imprisonment
- Fines ranging from Dh200,000 to Dh1 million
- Possible combination of both penalties
The law explicitly states: “Anyone who engages in recruitment or temporary employment of domestic workers without a license will face imprisonment of no less than one year and a fine between Dh200,000 and Dh1 million, or both.”
This same penalty applies to individuals who misuse electronic access privileges granted by MOHRE, resulting in violations of labour procedures or ministry regulations.
Health and Social Risks
Beyond legal consequences, MOHRE warns that employing undocumented domestic workers or allowing them to work for third parties without proper documentation poses significant health and social risks to employers and their families.
Working with Licensed Agencies
The ministry strongly recommends engaging only with licensed recruitment agencies, which can be verified through MOHRE’s official website and social media channels. These agencies operate under strict supervision, providing high-quality services for both Emirati and expatriate households.
Recent Legislative Changes
MOHRE has introduced several amendments to strengthen protections for both workers and employers:
- Extended probation period for domestic workers from three to six months
- Mandatory two-year financial guarantees from recruitment agencies
- Transparent refund policies for recruitment and employment fees under specific conditions
Flexible Work Permit Options
The ministry also highlighted its adaptable work permit system, which allows private sector establishments to legally employ workers under various categories:
- Part-time work permits for reduced working hours or days
- Juvenile work permits for individuals aged 15-18, with specific legal safeguards
MOHRE remains dedicated to regulating employment practices and maintaining compliance with UAE labour laws to safeguard the interests of both workers and employers.
Key Takeaway
Employing workers without proper documentation in the UAE carries serious legal, financial, and social consequences. To avoid penalties including jail time and substantial fines, employers must obtain valid work permits through MOHRE and engage only with licensed recruitment agencies. The government’s intensified inspection efforts demonstrate its commitment to enforcing these regulations across all sectors.
JobXDubai 
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