UAE Shuts Down 77 Social Media Accounts for Illegal Domestic Worker Recruitment

Abu Dhabi: In a decisive move to protect workers' rights and safeguard families from fraud, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced the closure of 77 social media accounts in the first half of 2025. These platforms were found promoting unlicensed recruitment of domestic workers, in violation of UAE labor laws.

According to the ministry, the shut-down accounts were unauthorized and not licensed to offer recruitment services, raising concerns about exploitation, lack of accountability, and financial risk for those seeking to hire domestic help.

“These unofficial accounts pose significant legal and ethical risks to both workers and employers,” a ministry official stated. “Only recruitment offices licensed by the Ministry are authorized to provide such services in the UAE.”

Public Advisory for Employers and Families

To prevent fraud and ensure compliance with UAE labor regulations, the ministry has issued the following guidelines:

• Deal only with licensed recruitment offices that are accredited by MoHRE.

• Avoid interacting with suspicious or unverified social media accounts, especially those making unverified claims or offering unusually low fees.

• Verify licenses of recruitment agencies through the official MoHRE website or app before making any payments or agreements.

• Report suspicious activity or illegal advertisements to MoHRE through their official channels.

Why It Matters

Unlicensed recruitment services often operate without transparency, potentially putting both employers and workers at risk. Victims can suffer financial loss, legal consequences, or be party to unintentional labor law violations. Licensed offices, by contrast, are required to uphold contracts, provide legal guarantees, and follow government-mandated recruitment processes.

How to Verify Recruitment Offices

Employers can check the list of licensed offices through:

• MoHRE’s official website: www.mohre.gov.ae

• Tawjeeh Centers and Tasheel Centers

• MoHRE mobile application

• Customer care hotline: 80060

The ministry reiterated its commitment to enforcing labor laws and protecting the rights of all parties in the domestic employment process.