Understanding the labour law for domestic workers in UAE is essential for both households and workers. The domestic helpers law outlines legal protections, while legal services for domestic workers’ issues ensure fair treatment and enforcement. Employers must also follow the regulations on the employment of domestic workers set by MoHRE. In this guide, we cover contracts, rights, and legal compliance under UAE legislation.
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UAE Housemaid Law: What Every Employer & Worker Should Know
The UAE has specific legal provisions for domestic helpers under Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022, which regulates household employment. This modern law protects housemaids, nannies, drivers, cooks, and similar roles who perform domestic tasks within private residences.
It aims to bring clarity, protection, and structure to relationships that were previously informal and prone to abuse.
It mandates:
- Written contracts approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE)
- Fixed working hours, daily and weekly rest periods
- Paid annual leave, paid sick leave, and end-of-service gratuity
- Prohibition of discrimination, harassment, and retention of personal documents
- Employer obligations for health care, safe housing, and timely wage payment
The law ensures that both employer and worker are treated fairly under the labour law for domestic workers in UAE, providing a legal remedy in the event of violations.
Maid Contract Dubai: Legal Requirements & Protections
The maid contract in Dubai must follow the unified standard contract mandated by MoHRE, covering job role, salary, rest time, and other essential terms of employment. This contract is a mandatory legal document designed to ensure that both parties are aware of their rights and responsibilities.
This contract:
- Must be registered and processed through approved MoHRE service centers or authorized Tadbeer offices
- Typically has a 2-year duration with clear renewal and termination procedures
- Details specific leave entitlements, job duties, grievance procedures, and dispute resolution clauses
- Requires the employer to bear all recruitment, visa, and medical screening expenses
- Prohibits clauses that waive a worker’s basic rights under UAE law
Failure to comply with contract requirements can result in fines, cancellation of visas, and restrictions on future hiring. Employers are advised to consult legal experts before hiring or renewing contracts to ensure full legal compliance.
Rights of Housemaid in UAE: Key Legal Entitlements
Domestic workers in the UAE are entitled to several legal benefits, clearly outlined in Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022. These rights are intended to ensure that housemaids and other domestic workers receive fair and humane treatment throughout their employment.
Key entitlements include:
- 12 hours of daily rest, including at least 8 consecutive hours of uninterrupted sleep
- 1 full day of paid rest per week, with additional compensation if they work on their day off
- 30 days of paid annual leave after completing one year of service
- 30 days of sick leave per year, with pay based on duration and medical certification
- Mandatory medical insurance provided by the employer
- End-of-service gratuity, calculated at 14 days’ wages for each year of service
- Timely salary payments, no later than 10 days after due date
- Safe and hygienic working and living conditions, especially for live-in workers
If any of these rights are denied, the worker may file a complaint with MoHRE or approach the Labour Court for remedy. Legal representation can significantly improve the outcome of such claims. We help workers understand and claim their rights under the labour law for domestic workers in UAE.
Regulations on the Employment of Domestic Workers
The UAE has implemented strict regulations on the employment of domestic workers to prevent exploitation, safeguard human rights, and ensure ethical recruitment.
Employers must:
- Register the employment contract with MoHRE and ensure the worker receives a copy
- Hire through licensed recruitment agencies approved by the government
- Provide health coverage, accommodation (for live-in workers), and safe working conditions
- Avoid illegal practices such as withholding passports, unpaid overtime, or forced labor
- Adhere to the Wage Protection System (WPS) in applicable cases, ensuring wage transparency
Recent amendments have empowered authorities to enforce regulations more strictly. Penalties for non-compliance can include fines of up to AED 10,000 per violation, blacklisting from hiring future domestic workers, and civil liability for damages.
Employers who are unsure about their obligations are encouraged to consult legal experts to avoid serious penalties and ensure their domestic employment practices align with UAE law.
FAQ Related to Labour Law for Domestic Workers in UAE
The labour law for domestic workers in UAE is designed to ensure justice, dignity, and fair employment conditions in one of the most sensitive areas of labour relations—home-based work. Whether you are a housemaid, nanny, or household employer, understanding your rights and obligations is key to avoiding disputes, penalties, or misunderstandings.
Both employers and workers benefit when employment relationships are grounded in legality, respect, and clear documentation. That’s where the law, and a trusted legal advisor, can help.
Need expert legal help with domestic worker contracts or disputes? Contact us via the WhatsApp below to speak with our employment lawyer in Dubai today.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult our licensed employment lawyers in Dubai for case-specific counsel.
Legal Sources:
- Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 Concerning Domestic Workers
- MoHRE Standard Domestic Worker Contract.
- UAE Government Portal on Domestic Helpers
A legal consultant and legal expert in the United Arab Emirates. He publishes selected articles on the website and writes in various categories of UAE law, with a particular focus on labor law.
