MoL issues list of 221 registered recruitment agencies to curb fraudulent advertisements

Doha, Qatar - The Ministry of Labour in Qatar has published a list of 221 registered manpower and recruitment companies on its website, as part of its commitment to shield the public from fraudulent recruitment advertisements and unlicensed agencies that seek to hire domestic workers. The Ministry cautioned individuals looking to hire domestic workers to be wary of online advertisements, especially those shared through social media platforms, noting that fraudsters often use convincing ads or mimic legitimate agencies to provide unauthorized services.

The Ministry emphasized that engaging with unlicensed entities could lead to financial losses, put individuals at risk, and infringe upon their legal rights. Consequently, it advised the public to verify the origin of any recruitment advertisement before responding or making payments. The Ministry's awareness campaign urges individuals to scrutinize the agency behind advertisements by checking if it appears on the Ministry of Labour's official list of registered recruitment agencies.

The list contains 221 manpower companies, serving as a reference for those seeking to confirm that they are dealing with authorized recruitment services. This guidance is particularly pertinent as unlicensed offices might exploit social media platforms to disseminate fake or misleading advertisements. To facilitate verification, the Ministry encourages the public to utilize the QR code included in its awareness campaign to access the list and confirm the status of a recruitment agency before engaging in any transactions.

The Ministry's message aims to enhance awareness among employers and families, preventing them from falling prey to fraudulent recruitment practices. It also underscores the significance of utilizing licensed recruitment offices to ensure that recruitment procedures comply with regulations and safeguard the rights of all parties involved.

According to Qatar's legal framework, domestic workers must be recruited through licensed recruitment offices, with the Ministry overseeing the recruitment sector. The Ministry has previously underscored the importance of dealing exclusively with duly licensed recruitment offices to protect the rights of both employers and workers.

In its latest awareness message, the Ministry urges the public to "Think twice. Verify first. Choose licensed," and reminds users that a professional-looking advertisement does not necessarily indicate genuineness.