ABU DHABI, April 13 The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has introduced new regulations aimed at streamlining the hiring process for domestic workers in the UAE. These updated rules shift several key responsibilities from employers to licensed recruitment agencies, with the goal of improving service standards and enhancing support for both employers and workers.

The new regulations require recruitment agencies to take on a variety of tasks on behalf of employers. These tasks include the electronic submission, receipt, and printing of applications to the Ministry, assisting with medical examinations, and the issuance of Emirates ID cards for domestic workers.

Agencies will also be responsible for coordinating the pickup of workers from the airport, arranging safe transportation to the employer’s residence, and providing information on available nationalities and job roles for recruitment. Additionally, recruitment agencies must facilitate pre-employment interviews, offer training to prepare workers for their roles, and ensure that suitable accommodation is provided for the recruited workers.

MoHRE emphasized that these services must be clearly defined by agencies and formally included within their licensed activities. Notably, agencies will now need to be licensed to offer printing services related to MoHRE procedures for domestic workers. To comply with this requirement, agencies must add “printing services” to their business license from the relevant economic development departments. Once approved, the Ministry will issue official letters authorizing the addition of this activity.

Regarding the establishment of branch offices, MoHRE confirmed that recruitment agencies can open branches either within the same emirate or in other emirates, provided they meet five key conditions. These conditions include adjusting the bank guarantee or insurance according to business volume, complying with all licensing requirements, adhering to local regulations, submitting separate bank guarantees for each branch, and obtaining prior approval from the Ministry.

Once approval is granted, agencies must activate their branches within three months. This process includes obtaining a trade license, notifying MoHRE upon issuance, submitting a copy of the lease agreement, opening establishment files with the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, and with MoHRE. Additional steps involve ordering e-Dirham devices from the Commercial Bank of Dubai, submitting the design of exterior signage for approval, completing interior and technical works, issuing electronic bank guarantees, submitting originals to the Ministry, appointing a UAE national manager and customer happiness consultant, and registering the accommodation of domestic workers with the Ministry’s labor housing system.

These new regulations aim to simplify the recruitment process, improve the quality of services provided, and ensure better support for both employers and domestic workers.