In recent years, the UAE has strengthened its legal framework to ensure fair treatment, dignity, and protection for domestic workers. One of the key mechanisms supporting this system is Tadbeer, which operates under government supervision to regulate domestic worker employment and enforce compliance with UAE labor laws.
Tadbeer plays an important role in balancing the rights and obligations of both domestic workers and employers, helping to reduce disputes, prevent exploitation, and ensure transparency throughout the employment relationship.
Legal Framework Governing Domestic Workers in the UAE
Domestic workers in the UAE are regulated under Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 and Cabinet Resolution No. 106 of 2022, which define the legal rights, responsibilities, and protections applicable to domestic employment.
Under this framework, domestic workers are entitled to regulated employment conditions, including:
Clearly defined working hours
Weekly rest days
Annual leave
Medical coverage
Employers are required to issue a written employment contract approved by MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation). This contract must clearly specify salary, job duties, accommodation arrangements (if applicable), working hours, and other agreed conditions.
The law also strictly prohibits illegal practices such as:
Withholding passports
Employing domestic workers without valid work permits
Violating contract terms or labor protections
These regulations are designed to safeguard worker welfare while providing employers with a clear, lawful structure to follow.
Contract Transparency and Employment Clarity
A core principle of the Tadbeer system is contract transparency. Employment contracts issued through Tadbeer channels follow standardized formats approved by MOHRE, ensuring that all terms are documented and legally enforceable.
This transparency helps:
Reduce misunderstandings between workers and employers
Clearly define duties and expectations
Protect both parties in the event of a dispute
By ensuring that rights and obligations are clearly outlined from the start, Tadbeer reduces the risk of unfair treatment and contractual abuse.
Protection of Rights and Obligations
Tadbeer supports the enforcement of legal protections for domestic workers by ensuring that employment conditions meet UAE standards. Workers are protected against unsafe working environments, excessive workloads, and unfair practices.
At the same time, employers benefit from safeguards that ensure:
Workers meet health and documentation requirements
Employment arrangements comply with UAE law
Disputes are handled through structured legal channels
This dual protection framework is designed to promote fairness, stability, and long-term compliance.
End-of-Service Benefits (Gratuity)
Domestic workers in the UAE are entitled to end-of-service benefits upon completion or termination of their employment contract, subject to legal conditions.
Gratuity calculations are based on:
Length of service
Contract type
Applicable UAE regulations
Tadbeer-regulated contracts ensure that gratuity obligations are clearly defined and calculated in accordance with the law, helping both parties understand their financial rights and responsibilities at the end of the employment relationship.
Complaints and Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
Tadbeer provides a structured and legally recognized complaints and dispute resolution mechanism for domestic worker employment.
If disputes arise, they can be addressed through:
Official grievance channels
MOHRE-supervised mediation
Legal escalation where required
This system ensures that complaints are handled transparently and fairly, reducing the likelihood of informal or unlawful conflict resolution.
Promoting Ethical and Compliant Domestic Employment
By operating within the UAE’s legal and regulatory framework, Tadbeer contributes to:
Ethical recruitment practices
Worker welfare and dignity
Employer compliance and legal clarity
Reduced risk of exploitation or undocumented employment
Its role is not limited to recruitment, but extends to maintaining lawful employment standards throughout the contract period.
