A fresh warning has been issued against hiring domestic workers on an hourly basis.

Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA) chief executive Ausamah Al Absi said agencies that operate such cleaning services were violating the law and opening the door to runaway workers.

He was speaking as LMRA teams launched investigations into complaints about rogue manpower agencies hiring out domestic workers on an hourly basis.

“I strongly urge the public not to deal with companies or individuals who provide domestic workers on an hourly basis because it is illegal,” he said.

“These runaway workers will enter your house and could commit theft or other crimes.”

Mr Al Absi also revealed that licences of more than 100 recruitment agencies have been revoked in the last four years for various violations.

In November last year the watchdog cancelled the licences of AlJabur Manpower Services, Amwaj Manpower and Sara Manpower, and urged those who dealt with these firms to settle their claims and other liabilities.