UAE Warns Firms: Fines Up to Dh1 Million for 5 Labour Violations
MoHRE says hiring without a work permit and 4 other violations carry fines of Dh100,000 to Dh1 million per case. What workers and employers should know.
UAEIn brief
- MoHRE has reminded employers that five labour violations carry fines of Dh100,000 to Dh1 million.
- They include hiring without a work permit and bringing workers in without giving them actual work.
- Misusing work permits, closing a business without settling staff, and illegally employing minors are also covered.
- The warning was reported on 23 October 2026.
| Country | UAE |
|---|---|
| Organization | Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) |
| Official source | Gulf News – UAE warns companies of Dh1 million fines for five labour law violations ✓ gulfnews.com |
The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has warned companies that five labour law violations each carry a fine of at least Dh100,000 and up to Dh1 million. The reminder, reported by Gulf News and Emarat Al Youm on 23 October 2026, targets practices that often leave workers stranded.
The five violations
| # | Violation | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Employing someone without a MoHRE work permit | Dh100,000 – Dh1 million |
| 2 | Recruiting or employing a worker but not giving them any work | Dh100,000 – Dh1 million |
| 3 | Using work permits for purposes other than the one issued | Dh100,000 – Dh1 million |
| 4 | Closing or suspending a business without settling workers' status | Dh100,000 – Dh1 million |
| 5 | Employing minors in breach of the rules, even with a parent's consent | Dh100,000 – Dh1 million |
Why this matters to job seekers
Several of these violations describe common traps for new arrivals:
- Visa trading. Some companies issue visas, collect fees, and never provide a job. That is violation number 2.
- Working "on the side". Being put to work for another firm without the right permit can fall under violations 1 and 3.
- Sudden shutdowns. When a company closes and leaves staff without cancelled visas or final pay, that is violation number 4.
The ministry urged employers to check legal requirements before taking anyone on.
How to protect yourself
- Check your work permit. You can confirm your permit and contract on the MoHRE website or app.
- Never pay for a job. Recruitment fees charged to workers are illegal in the UAE.
- Report problems. MoHRE's call centre is 600 590 000.
- Keep your documents. Hold copies of your offer letter, contract and salary slips.
What it means for job seekers
- A real job comes with a permit. If an employer says you can start before the permit is issued, be careful.
- Visa-only offers are a red flag. A company that sells you a visa without a job is breaking the law.
- You have support. MoHRE can help settle your status if your employer closes.
Learn more about UAE work permit types and the warning signs of a fake job offer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fine for hiring without a work permit in the UAE?
Between Dh100,000 and Dh1 million, according to MoHRE.
What happens if a UAE company brings me on a visa but gives me no work?
Recruiting someone without providing work is one of the five violations carrying a fine of Dh100,000 to Dh1 million.
Can I work in the UAE without a MoHRE work permit?
No. Private sector employers must get a work permit from MoHRE before you start work.
Apply only through the official source.
Open official notice →TheJobSeek never charges for jobs and is not a recruitment agency. If anyone asks you to pay for a job offer or visa in the name of this article, it is a scam.
