Blog|26 Mar 2025

Employer Rights Explained: Tadbeer Refund Policy in the UAE

If you’re planning to hire a maid or domestic worker in Dubai, understanding your legal rights is just as important as choosing the right agency. Recent developments highlight why dealing with licensed Tadbeer Dubai centers is essential for both protection and peace of mind.

In February 2025, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) took strict action against 22 domestic worker recruitment agencies in the UAE for failing to refund recruitment fees to employers. This crackdown follows 37 violations of the Federal Decree-Law Concerning Domestic Workers, emphasizing how seriously the UAE government takes employer protection and ethical recruitment practices.

Let’s break down what this means for employers—and how trusted centers like TPH Tadbeer ensure you're always on the right side of the law.


What Happened: 22 Agencies Fined for Non-Refunds!

The affected agencies failed to return recruitment fees within the legally required 14-day period, which begins from either:

  • The date the domestic worker was returned to the recruitment office, or
  • The date the worker was reported to have stopped working.

This failure violates UAE labor law and places an unfair burden on employers who may already be dealing with inconvenience, financial loss, or unmet expectations.

MoHRE responded with legal and administrative action, signaling that non-compliance can lead to license cancellation and permanent closure of recruitment offices.

This incident is a powerful reminder for employers to only deal with licensed Tadbeer Dubai agencies that operate under MoHRE guidelines.


Your Refund Rights When Hiring a Maid in Dubai

As an employer, you are legally entitled to a full refund of recruitment fees in specific scenarios. These include:

1. Incompetence or Misconduct

If the domestic worker shows poor performance, lack of skills, or unprofessional behavior during the probation period, you can request a full refund.

2. Worker Abandonment

If the worker leaves the job without a valid reason or absconds, the agency must process your refund within 14 days.

3. Contract Termination Due to Non-Compliance

If the employer terminates the contract due to the recruitment agency failing to meet agreed terms (e.g., wrong worker profile, late deployment, missing documents), a refund is warranted.

These protections apply only when the hiring is done through licensed Tadbeer Dubai centers approved by MoHRE.


MoHRE’s Stance: Strict Monitoring and Employer Protection

The Ministry continues to monitor domestic worker recruitment offices across the UAE to ensure they:

  • Meet legal and contractual obligations
  • Protect the rights of both employers and workers
  • Provide high-quality services in line with UAE labor standards

MoHRE also warns that dealing with unlicensed recruitment offices or social media agents can result in the loss of your legal rights.

💬 “Only agencies approved by the Ministry can offer the protections employers are entitled to,” the statement clarified.

Employers are encouraged to report any violations via the MoHRE app or the Labour Consultation and Claims Centre at 80084.


Why Imdad Tadbeer Center Is the Trusted Choice for Families in Dubai?

At Imdad Tadbeer, we take pride in being one of the most reliable Tadbeer Dubai centers—backed by years of experience and the trust of hundreds of Dubai families.

Here's what sets us apart:

Licensed and Transparent

We strictly follow MoHRE regulations and ensure clear contracts, fair refund policies, and prompt issue resolution.

Support for Both Sponsorship Models

Whether you choose Tadbeer Sponsorship (2-year visa) or Private Sponsorship, we guide you through every step—visa processing, contract finalization, medicals, and more.

Personalized Matching

We provide trained, background-verified maids and nannies matched to your family’s needs. You get to interview candidates before final selection.

Fast Replacement & Refunds

If things don’t work out, we ensure timely replacements or refunds, in full compliance with the law.

Multilingual, Family-Friendly Support

Our team is trained to serve Dubai’s diverse families with compassion, care, and cultural sensitivity.

With Imdad Tadbeer, you’re not just hiring a maid—you’re building a long-term support system for your home.


How to File a Complaint If Things Go Wrong

If you’ve dealt with an uncooperative or non-compliant agency, here’s how to take action:

  1. Use the MoHRE smart app or website to file a digital complaint.
  2. Or call the Labour Consultation and Claims Centre at 80084 for immediate assistance.

Remember: Your rights are protected only when you work with licensed Tadbeer Dubai offices.


Need a Reliable Agency? Here’s Where to Start

A full list of all MoHRE-approved Tadbeer recruitment agencies in the UAE is available here:
👉 www.mohre.gov.ae

Avoid agents on WhatsApp or Instagram—they are not authorized and can void your legal protections.


Final Word: Peace of Mind Starts With the Right Agency

Hiring a domestic worker is a big decision—one that affects your household’s comfort, safety, and routine. As an employer in Dubai, you deserve complete peace of mind, knowing that your investment, time, and trust are protected by law.

That peace of mind starts with:

  • Understanding your legal refund rights
  • Knowing what to expect during the probation period
  • And most importantly, choosing a licensed Tadbeer Dubai agency that is committed to fair practices and long-term support

At Imdad Tadbeer, we believe that domestic worker recruitment is not just about placing someone in your home—it’s about building trust, offering professional service, and ensuring legal clarity every step of the way.

When you work with us, you're not just choosing an agency. You're choosing a partner who:

  • Listens to your family’s needs
  • Respects your time and investment
  • Responds swiftly to concerns
  • Upholds every MoHRE regulation
  • And treats every client and worker with dignity and compassion

Whether you are applying for a maid visa, exploring private sponsorship, or looking for a long-term, live-in helper, Imdad Tadbeer is here to make the entire journey seamless, transparent, and worry-free.

Choose Imdad Tadbeer – where legal compliance meets compassionate service.
Because your home deserves the very best.


🧾 Need help understanding Tadbeer visa costs, service models, or the best maid option for your home?
Call us or WhatsApp today. We’re here to help you navigate the process with confidence.