UAE cracks down on firms not practising licensed activities

The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation is cracking down on businesses violating labour laws.

Since the start of the year, around 1,300 establishments, linked to 1,800 employers, were found to be inactive despite having registered workers with no real employment ties.

In response, the Ministry has suspended new work permits for these businesses, issued fines exceeding AED 34 million, and downgraded them to the lowest category in its classification system.

Further action includes banning these owners from registering new establishments, in line with UAE labour regulations.

The Ministry urges all employers to cancel licences and regularise workers’ status if their business operations cease.

It also highlighted the success of its smart inspection system in identifying non-compliant firms.

Members of the public are encouraged to report violations by calling 60059000 or using the Ministry’s smart app or website.

The Ministry’s monitoring system has detected around 1,300 establishments, owned by approximately 1,800 employers, that were not effectively practicing their licensed activities, despite having registered workers without a real employment relationship.

Strict measures were taken… pic.twitter.com/UmdSsPJ1Mh

— وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) June 30, 2025