The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has cautioned private sector businesses and employers not to hire persons without valid work permits from the Ministry, even for trial employment, whether in businesses or as support staff.
The Ministry emphasized that it is illegal to hire a worker who violates regulations for probationary purposes in order to alter their status. Those found using work permits for auxiliary workers for unauthorized purposes will face a fine ranging from 50,000 to 200,000 dirhams.
The Ministry stated in the latest issue of the “Human Resources” magazine that individuals with a work permit from the Ministry are legally protected. Employers who hire individuals without a work permit will face legal consequences as it violates labor laws and regulations.
She stated that she is coordinating joint periodic campaigns with the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security to monitor workers who are violating regulations at the state level. If any violating worker is found working for an employer, immediate administrative penalties are imposed on the employer, beginning with blocking their file. The individual was promptly denied new domestic worker permits and was reported to the Public Prosecution for potential criminal and financial actions. This action was taken in accordance with Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2022 concerning domestic service workers and its accompanying regulations, which prohibit the employment of a domestic worker without the proper work permit or allowing them to work. Engaging with third parties without following the terms and resolving their status.
Bringing in domestic help workers without a license can result in a penalty of imprisonment for at least one year and a fine ranging from 200,000 to one million dirhams, as stated in Article 27 of a federal decree law on domestic service workers. This law specifies that individuals engaging in the mediation or temporary employment of domestic workers without a license may face imprisonment for up to one year and a fine between 200,000 and one million dirhams. Anyone who abused electronic privileges to access the Ministry's networks or facilitated such access, leading to breaches in procedures or work relationships.
She stated that hiring undocumented domestic workers or bringing them in and allowing them to work for others without legalizing their status is a direct breach of the law and presents health and social hazards to employers and their families. She urged employers to engage with authorized labor recruitment agencies listed on the Ministry's official website and its social media platforms, which are monitored by the Ministry to guarantee high-quality service to all clients, including employers, citizens, and resident families.
The Ministry emphasized its commitment to strictly enforce the law against offenders. It highlighted that the legislation, which extends the probationary period of domestic workers from three to six months, aims to protect both workers and business owners. This measure is in the best interest of families and employers. Labor recruitment offices are now required to ensure this protection for a period of two years, enhancing the safeguard for employers.
The legislation ensures that employers will be refunded for any payments made to hire auxiliary workers under specific conditions and within certain time frames. This is outlined in the executive regulations and decisions issued by the Ministry to protect business owners and prevent employment agencies from exploiting these rights.
