The UAE has warned private firms of fines up to GHS 3.1m for five labour violations, directly impacting African migrant workers across key sectors. The UAE Ministry of Human Resources says compliance is a legal obligation, not a choice, for all employers.
The fines range from Dh100,000 to Dh1 million.
The five violations include bringing workers into the country without obtaining valid work permits, recruiting workers but leaving them without any actual duties or income, using a work permit for a purpose other than the one for which it was issued, closing or suspending operations without formally resolving the legal status of employees, and engaging minors outside the conditions permitted by labour law. These violations reflect real risks that migrant workers encounter in practice.
The warning has direct implications for workers from across the African continent, including Ghana. Kenya is among the largest sources of migrant workers in the UAE, with tens of thousands employed across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates. The UAE has cautioned employers against violating the rights of migrant workers.
The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation issued the warning in October 2026, targeting private companies operating in the UAE. The announcement puts employers on notice across industries that depend heavily on migrant labour, including construction, hospitality, retail, security, and domestic service.
Workers planning to take up employment in the UAE are advised to verify their employment terms and confirm the correct permit category has been applied for before travelling. The Kenyan embassy and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation are available as points of contact for anyone who suspects a violation has occurred.