If you are sponsoring a maid or domestic worker in the UAE, you may ask:
- Where can I find official UAE regulations?
- Who regulates maid visas in Dubai?
- Who handles complaints or disputes?
- How does enforcement work?
This guide explains the government authorities responsible for maid visa regulation and enforcement in the UAE.
UAE Domestic Worker Authorities: Who Regulates Maid Visas in the UAE?
Maid visa sponsorship in the UAE is regulated by multiple government authorities, each responsible for a specific part of the process.
The main authorities are:
1๏ธโฃ Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
2๏ธโฃ General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA)
3๏ธโฃ Tadbeer Centers
Each plays a different but connected role.
1๏ธโฃ Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
MOHRE is the primary authority regulating domestic workers in the UAE.
What MOHRE Controls:
โ Domestic worker contracts
โ Employment terms
โ Salary protection
โ Worker rights
โ Employer obligations
โ Dispute resolution
โ Enforcement of Domestic Worker Law
Domestic workers are governed under:
Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 Concerning Domestic Workers
MOHRE ensures that both sponsors and workers follow this law.
How MOHRE Enforces the Law
MOHRE can:
- Investigate complaints
- Summon employers or workers
- Issue warnings
- Impose fines
- Refer serious cases to court
- Block employers from future sponsorship
This is why compliance is extremely important when sponsoring a maid.
2๏ธโฃ General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs โ Dubai (GDRFA)
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai handles the immigration and residency side of maid visas.
What GDRFA Controls:
โ Entry permits
โ Residency visa stamping
โ Emirates ID coordination
โ Visa renewals
โ Visa cancellations
โ Overstay fines
โ Immigration violations
While MOHRE handles labor compliance, GDRFA handles immigration status.
Both must be compliant for a legal maid visa in dubai.
3๏ธโฃ Tadbeer Centers โ Government-Approved Service Providers
Tadbeer Centers are licensed service centers approved by MOHRE to manage domestic worker recruitment and visa processing.
They act as:
- Authorized intermediaries
- Contract facilitators
- Recruitment coordinators
- Visa processing centers
However, Tadbeer operates under MOHRE supervision.
How the Authorities Work Together
Hereโs how the system connects:
| Authority | Main Role |
|---|---|
| MOHRE | Labor law compliance & worker protection |
| GDRFA | Residency & immigration control |
| Tadbeer | Licensed processing & recruitment channel |
If one part is not compliant, the entire visa can be delayed or rejected.
read more about: How much maid visa cost in Dubai
Where Can I Find Official UAE Regulations?
You can verify official maid visa regulations directly from:
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai
- Tadbeer
These are the only official authorities governing domestic worker sponsorship.
Always avoid unofficial sources.
How to File a Complaint (MOHRE Process)
If there is a dispute between employer and domestic worker, the complaint process works as follows:
Step 1: File Complaint: Through MOHRE channels (online, call center, or service center).
Step 2: Mediation: MOHRE attempts to resolve the issue through negotiation.
Step 3 โ Legal Escalation: If unresolved, the case may be referred to court.
Common complaints include:
- Salary delay
- Contract violations
- Passport retention
- Early termination disputes
Does the UAE Conduct Inspections?
Yes.
MOHRE has authority to:
- Conduct inspections
- Investigate reported abuse
- Review contract compliance
- Impose penalties
Serious violations may result in:
- Financial fines
- Visa bans
- Blacklisting
- Legal prosecution
Why Understanding the Regulatory System Is Important
Many visa problems occur because sponsors misunderstand:
- Labor compliance vs immigration compliance
- Contract obligations
- Termination procedures
- Insurance requirements
Understanding the role of each authority helps you:
โ Avoid penalties
โ Avoid visa rejection
โ Protect your legal position
โ Ensure worker rights are respected
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MOHRE responsible for visa stamping?
No. MOHRE handles labor compliance. Visa stamping is handled by GDRFA.
Can Tadbeer cancel a maid visa?
Tadbeer processes cancellations, but final approval comes from immigration authorities.
What happens if I violate domestic worker law?
You may face fines, immigration blocks, or legal action.
Can I check my maidโs visa status?
Yes, through official immigration channels or authorized service centers.
Final Advice
Sponsoring a maid in the UAE involves:
- Labor law compliance (MOHRE)
- Immigration approval (GDRFA)
- Proper processing (Tadbeer)
When handled correctly, the system is smooth and legally protected.
If you want a compliant, stress-free process, ensure your application follows official regulations from the start.
