How to Conduct a Background Verification of a Domestic Worker through Authorized Channels in Dubai

Why Background Verification is an Essential First Step in Dubai

Bringing a new person into your home to care for your family and property is a decision based on trust. In Dubai, where nearly 90% of domestic workers are expatriates, ensuring that trust is well-founded is not just a good idea—it is a fundamental necessity.

A formal background verification provides a clear, factual basis for your hiring decision, moving beyond gut feelings to concrete information. Skipping this process can expose your household to security threats and place you in a difficult legal position.

This article provides a clear roadmap for conducting a legal and thorough background check for a domestic worker in Dubai. You will learn about the official government channels, the specific steps to take, the documents needed, applicable costs, and how to protect yourself from common pitfalls—making the hiring process safer and more transparent for everyone involved.

The Official Bodies: Authorized Agencies for Domestic Worker Verification

To maintain security and protect the rights of both employers and employees, the UAE government has designated specific authorized channels. Using any services outside these bodies is illegal and exposes you to heavy penalties.

• Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE): The central regulator for private sector employment, including domestic help. MOHRE oversees recruitment, contracts, and the visa process through its Tadbeer service centers, which act as official one-stop shops.
• Dubai Police: The authority for issuing the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)—also known as a certificate of good conduct. This confirms whether an individual has a criminal record in the UAE and is valid for three months.
• Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICA): Oversees Emirates ID and biometric registration, preventing identity fraud. Since 2023, most ICA services have moved online to the UAEICP smart app, making processes more efficient.

The Complete Step-by-Step Guide to the Background Check Process

1. Obtain Written Consent: Under the UAE’s Federal Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL 2021), it is mandatory to get explicit written consent before conducting checks.
2. Verify Identity Documents: Review the worker’s passport and Emirates ID (if available). As of 2023, ICA requires that the passport have at least 6 months’ validity for submissions.
3. Submit the Application through an Authorized Tadbeer Center: Tadbeer centers file all applications with MOHRE and guide you through the official employment permit and visa procedures.
4. Apply for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
   • Application channels: Dubai Police website, mobile app, or Ministry of Interior portal.
   • Requirements: Passport copy, Emirates ID (if applicable), passport photo.
   • Fees (2025): AED 220–250 for UAE residents; AED 320–350 if applying from outside the country.
   • Timeline: Issued within 24–48 hours electronically.
   • Validity: 3 months only.
5. Medical Fitness Test and Biometric Registration: Conducted at government-approved health centers.
   • Fitness test fee: AED 300–350.
   • Biometric recording (fingerprints and photo) handled by ICA for issuance of Emirates ID.
6. Finalize the Legal Employment Contract: All contracts must be standardized and registered with MOHRE under the UAE Domestic Workers Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022). The law protects both parties by detailing salary, rest days, working hours, and benefits.

Checklist: Required Documents for Verification

• Valid passport copy (min. 6-month validity)
• Latest UAE visa page (if already in the country)
• Emirates ID copy (front and back, if issued)
• Recent passport-sized photograph (white background)
• Completed MOHRE and Dubai Police application forms
• Signed written consent form for verification
• Proof of your residential address (utility bill, if requested)

A Breakdown of Fees, Processing Times, and Validity

• Police Clearance Certificate: AED 220–250 (residents); AED 320–350 (outside UAE)
• Medical Fitness Test: AED 300–350
• Emirates ID issuance fees: AED 370–500 depending on visa duration
• MOHRE Work Permit & Visa Fees: AED 2,000–5,000 (includes Tadbeer service charges)
• Processing Timelines:
  • PCC issued in 24–48 hrs
  • Full visa process: 10–15 business days
• PCC Validity: 3 months only

Common and Costly Mistakes to Avoid

• Using unregistered or “private” agents: This is illegal. Since 2024, crackdowns have led to employer fines of AED 50,000+ for hiring via unauthorized “freelancer” routes (e.g., through WhatsApp/Facebook).
• Skipping consent forms: This violates PDPL privacy law.
• Not registering the MOHRE contract: Leads to illegal employment status, fines, and possible deportation of the worker.
• Accepting forged documents: Always allow government channels to complete cross-verification.

Understanding Your Duties: Legal and Privacy Considerations

As an employer, you have a legal responsibility to safeguard employee data under UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 (PDPL).

In 2023, the UAE Data Office issued new compliance guidelines requiring employers to:

• Clearly document why they are collecting personal data.
• Limit data storage to the hiring/employment purpose.
• Securely dispose of or archive data after use.

Failure to comply can result in fines and reputational risks for employers.

Official Resources and Helpful Links

• Official UAE Government Portal: u.ae
• MOHRE Domestic Worker Services: u.ae Domestic Worker Services
• Dubai Police PCC e-Service: dubaipolice.gov.ae
• ICA / UAEICP App Smart Services: smartservices.icp.gov.ae
• UAE Data Office (PDPL guidelines): u.ae Data Office Resources

Conclusion: Your Next Steps for a Secure Household

Conducting a background verification for a domestic worker is non-negotiable for your safety and to meet legal requirements in Dubai. By working through Tadbeer, Dubai Police, and ICA via the UAEICP platform, you ensure compliance, minimize risks, and build trust in your household.

Hiring through shortcuts not only jeopardizes your home but can now result in fines exceeding AED 50,000 as of 2025. By choosing official, authorized channels, you protect yourself, your family, and the worker.