The UAE has established a legal framework to protect domestic workers and ensure fair treatment by employers. These laws outline worker rights, employer responsibilities, contract regulations, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
1. Key Rights of Domestic Workers in the UAE
The UAE’s domestic worker law, governed by Federal Law No. 10 of 2017, ensures several rights for domestic workers, including:
- Employment Contract: All domestic workers must have a written contract detailing job responsibilities, salary, working hours, and other conditions.
- Salary Protection: Employers must pay salaries on time through legal payment channels.
- Rest Periods: Domestic workers are entitled to at least 12 hours of rest per day, including at least 8 consecutive hours of sleep.
- Weekly Day Off: Workers must receive one full paid rest day per week.
- Annual Leave: A minimum of 30 days of paid annual leave after one year of service.
- Medical Insurance: Employers are required to provide health insurance coverage for domestic workers.
- End-of-Service Benefits: After one year of service, domestic workers are entitled to end-of-service compensation equal to one month’s salary for each year of work.
- No Recruitment Fees: Domestic workers cannot be charged recruitment fees or visa processing costs.
For more information, refer to the MOHRE Domestic Worker Law Page.
2. Employer Responsibilities
Employers must adhere to the following obligations:
- Provide suitable accommodation that meets UAE government standards.
- Respect worker privacy and avoid withholding personal identification documents.
- Ensure humane working conditions, including fair treatment and no forced labor.
- Cover travel costs for repatriation at the end of the contract unless the worker resigns before the contract term.
Failure to comply with these responsibilities can lead to legal penalties, fines, or bans from hiring domestic workers in the future.
3. Domestic Worker Dispute Resolution
If disputes arise between employers and domestic workers, they should be resolved through:
- MOHRE Mediation: Workers or employers can file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
- Legal Action: If a resolution is not reached within two weeks, the case may be escalated to a UAE labor court.
- Tadbeer Centers Assistance: Tadbeer centers, such as Excellence Center, provide mediation services and legal guidance to ensure compliance with UAE laws.
For dispute filing procedures, visit the MOHRE Website.
