Choose an agency by checking its current recruitment licence, the legal arrangement it offers, the worker's suitability and the written contract. A low monthly price or an attractive profile is insufficient to answer who employs the worker, which costs you must pay or what happens if the arrangement ends.
UAE law requires a Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation licence for domestic-worker recruitment or temporary employment activities. The licence requirement is separate from any professional licence required for a particular occupation. Federal Decree-Law 9/2022, Article 4
The UAE Government portal also directs readers to MOHRE-approved domestic-worker service centres. Use official channels for a current check instead of treating an advertisement as verification. UAE Government: employing domestic workers
Start with the agency's identity and licensed activity
Ask for the legal entity that will issue your contract and invoice, its current licence and the activity covering your proposed arrangement. Check that the names match. A directory listing can help locate a centre, but it does not by itself establish today's licence expiry, a particular package benefit or the quality of every candidate.
Licensing also distinguishes mediation from temporary employment. In mediation, the worker is registered on the household employer's file and the agency is not a party to the employment relationship. In temporary employment, the agency employs the worker and makes their services available to a beneficiary. These models allocate responsibilities differently. Federal Decree-Law 9/2022, Article 1 Cabinet Resolution 106/2022, Article 3
Compare the contract, not only the headline price
The recruitment agreement should record the required worker characteristics, work, financial obligations, services and recruitment timeframe. UAE law provides remedies where the agency fails to meet agreed conditions; the applicable replacement or refund rules still depend on the arrangement and relevant regulations. Federal Decree-Law 9/2022, Article 6
| Question to ask | What a useful written answer contains |
|---|---|
| Who is the employer? | Household or agency, with the applicable contract identified |
| What work is agreed? | Prioritised duties and any required skills |
| What is payable? | Separate service charges, recruitment charges, government fees and wages |
| Where will the worker live? | Accommodation responsibility and any transport arrangements |
| What if the arrangement fails? | Applicable legal remedy, commercial terms and the evidence required |
Do not treat “replacement available” as a promise of unlimited replacements, an immediate substitute or a refund of every payment.
Assess the individual worker respectfully
Ask practical questions about the tasks your household actually needs. For example, discuss the foods you cook, the cleaning materials you use or how instructions will be communicated. A nationality or language label does not establish proficiency, childcare training or clinical competence.
The regulations address medical fitness, relevant professional qualifications where required, and criminal-record certificates in cases specified by the Ministry. Article 4(5) provides limited exceptions to certain agency obligations for direct named recruitment; it is not a blanket exemption from medical or occupational licensing requirements. The rules do not prove that a particular agency has completed every possible check on a particular person. Request appropriate evidence of the checks relevant to your case without demanding unrestricted copies of sensitive records. Cabinet Resolution 106/2022, Article 4
Use a short decision checklist
- Confirm the contracting entity and current licensed activity.
- Identify the employer and work-permit arrangement.
- Agree essential duties, communication needs and accommodation.
- Obtain an itemised quotation and both relevant contracts.
- Read termination, replacement and refund conditions before paying.
- Keep receipts and written communications.
INAYA's package prices start from AED 1,500 per month for Essential and AED 2,500 per month for Signature; INAYA Black is Custom Quote. Ask for the package's employment arrangement and itemised coverage in writing. Contact INAYA to confirm the working arrangement, duties, schedule and terms included in your selected package.