Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has shut down 84 recruitment companies dealing with the employment of housemaids and domestic helpers on tourist visas. Dr. Abdul Rahman Al Awar, Minister of MOHRE, said that the recruitment offices were closed for practicing unlicensed activities. He was responding to a question by a Federal National Council member on the recruitment of domestic helpers on tourist visa. Al Awar added that the ministry carried out 270,000 inspection campaigns to ensure that recruitment offices are abiding by the UAE’s labour regulations. UAE authorities have repeatedly urged residents to avoid recruiting housemaids who arrive in on entry visas amid reports of travel agencies bringing housemaids on tourist visas into the UAE. A Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship official said the method is illegal and is not licensed by authorities. Sharjah Police’s Major General Saif Al Zari Al Shamsi said it also poses a security risks for families who are employing illegal workers in their households. ICA/Expat Media
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