Private companies operating in the United Arab Emirates now face fines of between Dh100,000 and Dh1 million, roughly KSh 3.5 million to KSh 35 million, after the country’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization issued a sweeping warning over labour law violations on Friday, 23 October 2026.
The crackdown covers five categories of non-compliance that the ministry says are among the most prevalent in the UAE’s labour market, particularly in industries that rely heavily on migrant workers such as construction, hospitality, retail, security and domestic service.
UAE Labour laws violations
The ministry identified five specific violations that attract the maximum fine of up to Dh1 million (about KSh 35 million).
The ministry made clear that meeting legal requirements before bringing workers into employment was not discretionary, describing compliance as a fundamental legal responsibility tied to protecting workers’ rights and maintaining lawful employment relationships. work
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Violation |
What It Entails |
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1. Employing workers without valid permits |
Hiring a worker without obtaining the necessary work permit from the ministry, regardless of the nature of the job performed |
|
2. Recruiting workers without providing employment |
Recruiting or employing a worker and leaving them without work, with no duties assigned or actual employment provided |
|
3. Misusing work permits |
Using work permits for purposes other than those for which they were issued, or failing to observe the conditions of the permit category |
|
4. Closing a business without settling workers’ status |
Closing or suspending operations without resolving the legal status of employees in accordance with approved procedures |
|
5. Employing minors in breach of labour regulations |
Employing a minor in circumstances that contravene labour legislation, even where a parent or guardian consents |
Source: Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, cited by Gulf News, October 23, 2026
