If you are planning to sponsor a maid or domestic worker in the UAE, understanding the law is essential.
This guide explains the current UAE domestic worker regulations, your legal responsibilities as a sponsor, and the rights of domestic workers under UAE law.
It is based on:
-
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA)
-
Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 Concerning Domestic Workers
What Law Governs Domestic Workers in the UAE?
All domestic service workers in the UAE are regulated under:
Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 Concerning Domestic Workers, which replaced the 2017 legislation and unified rules related to:
-
Employment contracts
-
Working hours & rest periods
-
Leave entitlements
-
Wage protection
-
Termination rules
-
Dispute resolution mechanisms
This labour law for domestic workers in UAE applies to:
-
Housemaids
-
Nannies
-
Drivers
-
Cooks
-
Gardeners
-
Other domestic workers and domestic helpers in UAE households
What Rights Do Domestic Workers Have in the UAE?
Under UAE law for housemaid and domestic workers, workers are legally protected and entitled to the following:
1️⃣ Written Employment Contract
Every domestic worker must have a written contract that clearly states:
-
Salary
-
Job duties
-
Working hours
-
Leave entitlement
-
Termination conditions
This is a core requirement under UAE domestic worker law.
2️⃣ Timely Salary Payment (Salary Protection)
Employers must:
-
Pay monthly salary
-
Pay in full and on time
-
Use legal payment channels
-
Follow agreed contract terms
Delayed or unpaid wages allow the worker to file a complaint with MOHRE.
3️⃣ Daily Rest & Weekly Day Off
Domestic helpers are entitled to:
-
Adequate daily rest (commonly interpreted as up to 12 hours total rest, including 8 consecutive sleep hours)
-
At least one full paid weekly rest day
4️⃣ Annual Leave
After one year of service:
-
Minimum 30 days paid annual leav
5️⃣ Medical Insurance
Employers must provide valid health insurance coverage for domestic workers before residency activation and during employment.
6️⃣ Suitable Accommodation & Food
Employers must provide:
-
Safe and suitable accommodation
-
Proper meals
-
Humane and respectful living conditions
7️⃣ Passport & Document Protection
Under domestic helper law in UAE, employers cannot confiscate passports or personal documents without the worker’s consent.
8️⃣ End-of-Service Benefits
After at least one year of service, domestic workers are entitled to end-of-service compensation according to UAE regulations.
9️⃣ No Recruitment Fees
Domestic workers must not be charged recruitment or visa costs. These are the employer’s responsibility.
What Are the Employer’s Legal Responsibilities?
Sponsors under housemaid law in UAE must:
✔ Pay salary on time
✔ Provide health insurance
✔ Respect rest days
✔ Provide suitable housing
✔ Cover visa & residency expenses
✔ Pay repatriation travel at contract end (unless early resignation)
✔ Avoid any forced labor or abuse
✔ Respect worker privacy and dignity
Failure to comply may result in:
-
Fines
-
Visa bans
-
Legal cases
-
Immigration penalties
-
Restrictions on future hiring of domestic workers
What Are the Legal Obligations of Domestic Workers?
Domestic workers must:
✔ Perform duties responsibly
✔ Respect the household
✔ Follow lawful instructions
✔ Avoid unexplained absence
The UAE housemaid law protects both parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Legal Working Hour Limit?
Typical working hours for a domestic service worker are:
8–10 hours daily, depending on contract terms, with mandatory rest periods as required by law.
What Happens If There Is a Dispute?
Disputes between employers and domestic workers follow this process:
Step 1: MOHRE Complaint: A complaint is filed with MOHRE.
Step 2: Mediation: MOHRE attempts to resolve the dispute amicably.
Step 3: Court Referral: If unresolved within approximately two weeks, the case may be referred to UAE courts.
Licensed Tadbeer centers can assist with mediation and legal guidance to ensure compliance.
What Are the Penalties for Violating Domestic Worker Law?
Violations of UAE domestic worker law may lead to:
-
Financial fines
-
Blacklisting
-
Visa restrictions
-
Legal prosecution
Common violations include:
-
Non-payment of salary
-
Forced labor
-
Illegal termination
-
Contract manipulation
Where Can I Verify Official Regulations?
Official sources regulating domestic workers in the UAE include:
-
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
-
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai
Is medical insurance mandatory for the maid?
Yes, medical insurance is legally mandatory for every domestic worker in the UAE.
The employer (sponsor) must provide valid health insurance before the worker’s residency visa is issued and maintain it throughout employment. The insurance must allow access to medical care in the UAE and cannot be shifted to the worker as a cost. Without active insurance, residency processing and renewals can be blocked, and the sponsor may face penalties.
Can a domestic worker terminate early?
Yes, domestic worker can terminate a contract early under UAE law.
Normally, this requires a notice period as stated in the employment contract (commonly 30 days). However, a worker may terminate without notice if the employer violates their legal rights — for example:
-
Non-payment of salary
-
Abuse or mistreatment
-
Forcing work outside agreed duties
-
Serious contract breaches
In such cases, MOHRE can review the complaint and protect the worker’s rights.
Why Understanding Domestic Worker Law Matters
Understanding domestic helper law in UAE protects:
-
Your legal status
-
Your household
-
Worker rights
-
Your finances
Many visa problems occur due to lack of legal awareness.
Being informed reduces:
-
Dispute risks
-
Financial penalties
-
Immigration issues
-
Visa rejections
Final Advice, Hiring a domestic worker in the UAE is not just a visa process, it is a legal responsibility governed by UAE law.
For a compliant and smooth process, consult a licensed Tadbeer center for guidance, contracts, and sponsorship procedures.
For step-by-step visa assistance and cost breakdowns, visit:
