UAE shuts 230 social media accounts linked to illegal domestic worker recruitment
Employers and Emirati and resident families in the UAE have been urged to deal only with licensed domestic worker recruitment offices. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced that 230 social media accounts were closed in 2025 for promoting unlicensed recruitment services. The statement was issued on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
Why the warning now
MoHRE said account owners had no ministry licence and were not affiliated with authorised recruitment offices. This violates the Domestic Workers Law, which sets rules for hiring and protects both families and employees. Dealing with unlicensed brokers can strip employers of legal rights. It can also bypass mandatory steps such as medical examinations and background and conduct checks, increasing risks for households.
Licensed domestic worker recruitment: what it guarantees
Licensed offices must meet clear service standards and follow approved pricing within defined service packages. They must supply trained and qualified workers who are prepared to deliver required services safely. “Licensed” means the office holds a MoHRE permit to recruit domestic workers and operates under official terms and conditions. “Tadbeer centres” are ministry-approved service hubs that help families complete hiring and onboarding processes.
Practical steps for families and employers
Use only the list of licensed offices published by MoHRE. Verify the office name before any payment or contract. Avoid informal ads and personal accounts that offer quick placements. Keep written contracts and receipts. If an office refuses to show its licence or claims a “special arrangement”, walk away.
How to report illegal ads and protect your rights
Residents have been advised to report misleading posts and negative practices. The ministry’s hotline is 600590000. Reports help regulators remove illegal adverts and take action against repeat offenders. The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority can also block accounts that promote unlawful services. Meanwhile, families should keep to official channels to ensure valid contracts, health checks, and dispute resolution if needed.
Employers who follow licensed routes gain legal clarity and safer placements. MoHRE’s action against 230 accounts underscores an ongoing effort to clean up the market and support compliant agencies, workers, and families.
