MoHRE warns employers of AED 1m fines for five labour offences

The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has reminded private-sector employers of five labour offences that can lead to heavy financial penalties, according to a Gulf News report updated on 23 October 2026. Gulf News said the details were first reported by the Emarat Al Youm newspaper.

The five offences

Based on the Gulf News report, the ministry highlighted these violations:

• Employing a worker without first obtaining the required work permit from the ministry.
• Recruiting or hiring a worker and then not providing them with work.
• Using a work permit for a purpose other than the one it was issued for.
• Closing or suspending a business without settling the legal status of its employees.
• Employing minors in breach of labour regulations, including in cases where a parent or guardian has agreed.

What the penalties are

Gulf News reported that each of these violations carries a fine of no less than AED 100,000 and no more than AED 1 million. The article did not give a separate figure for each offence, so the exact amount in a given case would depend on how the authorities apply the rules.

What it means for businesses

The ministry urged employers to meet every legal requirement before recruiting or employing anyone, describing compliance as a legal responsibility rather than an option. For Dubai companies, the practical points are simple: confirm that a valid permit is in place before a worker starts, use each permit only for its stated purpose, and complete the formal steps for employees before winding down or pausing operations.

The report also listed 12 categories of work permit available through the ministry. They include recruitment from abroad, transfers between employers, temporary and part-time work, juvenile permits for ages 15 to 18, student training, permits for Emirati and GCC nationals, Golden Visa holders, and private tutoring. Employers unsure which category fits a particular hire can check with MoHRE before proceeding.

What workers should know

Workers who are asked to start work without a permit, or who are hired and then left without duties, are covered by the same rules the ministry is highlighting. The ministry's public channels remain the place to verify a permit's status.

Employers should read the full text of the applicable legislation or seek professional advice for their own situation, as this summary is based on press coverage rather than the legal text itself.