UAE Clamps Down on Fake Emiratisation and Human Trafficking with New Rules for Business Centres

Strict penalties announced for violations as authorities mandate pre-screening of employees and protection of client data to curb systemic abuses.

The UAE has introduced a stringent new resolution to regulate business centres, taking aim at critical violations including human trafficking and fraudulent Emiratisation practices.

Business centres—private firms that assist companies and individuals with Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) services—are now required to pre-screen their own employees before granting them access to the Ministry’s systems. They are also mandated to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of all customer data and documents.

The move is part of a broader effort to ensure compliance and integrity within the labour market ecosystem. The resolution outlines a series of violations that will trigger legal sanctions and administrative penalties.

Key violations now targeted by the authorities include:

• Engaging in ‘Fake Emiratisation’ schemes.
• Involvement in human trafficking crimes.
• Registering workers under the centre without a genuine employment relationship.
• Employing or recruiting a worker without a valid permit.
• Operating outside the scope of the centre’s licensed activities.
• Providing incorrect data or documents to Mohre.

The Ministry also warned that any business centre employee found misusing their authorised access to Mohre’s systems will face legal action. This comprehensive crackdown reinforces the UAE’s ongoing campaign to cleanse its labour market of illegal practices and protect the rights of all workers.