UAE Launches New Regulations to Simplify the Hiring Process for Domest

The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has introduced new regulations aimed at simplifying the process of hiring domestic workers. Under these changes, a number of responsibilities previously handled by employers will now fall under the remit of licensed recruitment agencies.

The reforms are designed to ensure better support for both employers and workers. Licensed agencies will now oversee essential services, including submitting required documents and applications online, providing receipts, and assisting with processes related to medical examinations and Emirates ID issuance.

Recruitment agencies are also required to facilitate the collection of domestic workers from the airport, ensure their safe arrival at the employer’s residence, and offer information on the nationalities and job roles available for recruitment. Additionally, they will manage pre-employment interviews, provide training, and equip workers for their roles, as well as arrange appropriate accommodation.

MoHRE emphasised that these services must be clearly outlined within each agency’s licensed activities. One specific regulatory update stipulates that agencies involved in domestic worker recruitment must now obtain a licence to offer printing services linked to the hiring process. This involves adding ‘printing services’ to their commercial licences, a step that must be approved by the relevant economic development authority. Once approval is granted, the Ministry will issue an official letter authorising the new activity.

The regulations also include new provisions regarding agency branches. Recruitment agencies will be permitted to open branches within the same emirate or across different emirates, provided they meet several criteria. These include adjusting their financial guarantees based on business volume, fulfilling all licensing requirements, and securing separate guarantees for each branch, subject to Ministry approval.

To maintain their licensing, agencies must activate newly approved branches within three months. This involves securing a trade licence, informing MoHRE upon its issuance, submitting a valid lease agreement, and opening files with both the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship and MoHRE.

Further steps required for activation include preparing the physical space, receiving approval for external signage, appointing a UAE national as branch manager and customer happiness consultant, and registering accommodation details through the Ministry’s labour housing system. Agencies are also expected to complete technical setup, such as acquiring e-Dirham devices and submitting original bank guarantees to the Ministry, in order to ensure full operational compliance.