The UAE’s law on domestic helpers or maids

Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2022 Concerning Domestic Workers regulates the recruitment and employment of domestic workers or maids in the UAE. The law prohibits the following:

• the employment of anyone under the age 18
• discrimination on the basis of race, colour, gender, religion and nationality
• sexual harassment, whether verbal or physical
• forced labour or trafficking
• exposure to physical harm
• assignment of tasks that are not covered under the contract.

Who are domestic workers?

There are 19 occupations that fall within the scope of employment of domestic workers, namely:

1. Housemaid/servant
2. Sailor
3. Guard
4. Shepherd
5. Jockey
6. Tamer
7. Falcon care-taker
8. Worker
9. Housekeeper
10. Cook
11. Nanny/babysitter
12. Farm worker/grower
13. Gardener
14. Personal trainer/coach
15. Private tutor
16. Home nurse
17. Personal assistant
18. Private agricultural engineer
19. Personal/family driver.

The rights of the domestic workers

As per the law, domestic workers are entitled to:

• Salary payment as set agreed in their labour contract, within 10 days from the day they are due
• one day of paid rest per week
• 12 hours of rest per day, including 8 hours of consecutive rest 
• 30 days of paid annual leave
• a round-trip ticket home every 2 years 
• 30 days of sick leave per year 
• possession of their personal identification papers especially their passport

Obligations of the recruitment offices or agencies towards the domestic workers

The recruitment office or agency has the following obligations towards domestic workers:

• providing the worker with information regarding the type, and nature of the work required and the salary
• conducting the required medical examinations of the worker within no more than 30 days prior to his/her entry into the UAE
• educating them about the customs and traditions of the UAE’s society
• providing them a decent equipped temporary accommodation
• treating them with respect
• making them aware of their rights and directing them to the proper channels in the event that their rights or freedom are violated
• not to demand or receive any commission or financial reward from the workers to bring them to work in the UAE, or for carrying out the process to start working in the country
• probation period should not extend more than six months.

Obligations of the employers towards the domestic workers

Employers must abide by the terms of the employment contract, in addition to other obligations which include providing:

• the facilities needed for the worker to perform his/her duties effectively
• appropriate accommodation
• meals and clothing
• timely payment of salary and other benefits
• medical care or health insurance
• respect and safety
• compensation for work injuries and occupational diseases.

Obligations of the domestic worker

Domestic workers are required to follow the obligations outlined in employment contracts, in addition to the following:

• perform their duties under the supervision of the employer and in compliance with the provisions of the employment contract
• maintain a high standard of care and diligence while performing their duties
• refrain from absenteeism without a valid reason
• observe the customs and traditions of the UAE’s community
• comply with the employer’s instructions regarding the completion of the agreed work
• care for and maintain the items in their possession or dispose of by following the necessary safekeeping procedures
• respect the privacy of the workplace
• keep work tools/items inside the workplace and in their designated locations at all times
• provide necessary aid and assistance in the event of disasters and hazards threatening the workplace and its occupants.

Source: https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/jobs/domestic-workers/uae-policy-on-domestic-helpers