ABU DHABI, April 2: The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has outlined four specific cases where employers are entitled to a refund of domestic worker recruitment fees. Agencies are required to process these refunds within two weeks of a worker's return or the reporting of their absence. Failure to comply will result in legal and administrative action.

Employers are eligible for a refund under the following conditions:

1. The worker is deemed incompetent or professionally unsuitable during the probation period.

2. The worker terminates the contract or abandons the job without a valid reason.

3. The employer ends the contract due to the agency's failure to meet agreed conditions.

4. The worker is found medically unfit during the probation period, in which case the agency must also reimburse government fees paid by the employer.

In a report published in its Labour Market magazine, MOHRE revealed that 36 recruitment agencies faced legal and administrative action in January and February 2025. Of these, 22 agencies were penalized in February for 37 violations of the Domestic Workers Law, while 14 agencies faced action in January for 22 infractions. The most common violations involved failing to refund recruitment fees within the required two-week period or neglecting to report a worker’s absence.

MOHRE issued a strict warning to agencies, emphasizing that non-compliance will result in legal action, including the potential revocation of licenses for serious breaches. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to stringent monitoring to ensure compliance and protect all parties involved in employment contracts, while also recognizing agencies that adhere to regulations and deliver quality services.

MOHRE reiterated its zero-tolerance policy, warning that agencies found guilty of misconduct risk losing their licenses. The ministry pledged to maintain rigorous oversight to ensure that legal and contractual obligations are met.