The New Rules for Housemaids in UAE 2022

There are a lot of domestic workers in the UAE, including housemaids, nannies, and cooks who come from countries like the Philippines, India, and Indonesia. However, there have been concerns about the treatment of these workers, including reports of abuse, long working hours, and inadequate pay.

As a result of the new rules, employers have to provide workers with adequate accommodations, food, and medical care. In addition to these basic rights and protections, housemaids in the UAE will also be given a day off a week and annual leave on top of all these basic rights and protections.

As a whole, the new rules for housemaids in the UAE are a great step towards a more equal and fair working environment for domestic workers. As part of its commitment to building a just and equitable society, the UAE ensures that everyone has access to basic rights and protections.

A new salary payment rule took effect in April 2023

From April 1, UAE employers became obliged to register their domestic workers in the country’s wage protection system (WPS). More professions should be included in this salary scheme.

The WPS is an electronic salary transfer system that allows institutions to pay wages via banks, currency exchange, and financial institutions that have been approved and authorised to provide the service.

On April 1, 2023, 5 domestic worker professions were added to the system:

1. Private agricultural engineer
2. Public Relations Officer (PRO)
3. Housekeeper
4. Personal tutor
5. Personal trainer

Is there a minimum wage for domestic workers in the UAE?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) doesn’t title a wage application for domestic workers, as do Yemen and Saudi Arabia, according to the International Labour Organization.

What are the penalties for employers who violate the new rules?

Employers who break the old or new rules for housemaids in the UAE 2022 could face fines and penalties. The exact penalties depend on the severity and nature of the violation.

For example, employers who fail to give housemaids a day off each week might get fined depending on how many days they deprived the worker of their rights, which may also include compensation for any damages or losses the worker suffered.

There are instances where employers may also be charged with a criminal offense if they abuse or harass a housemaid. For example, if an employer is found guilty of physically abusing or harassing a housemaid, they may be sentenced to jail time plus fines.

There’s nothing better than seeing the UAE government take the rights of workers to the next level and do everything possible to protect them. Any employer who violates these rules faces serious consequences, both financially and legally.

New penalties being implemented include:

• Fines of between Dh20,000 and Dh100,000 and up to six months in prison for those who provide false information or fake documents to employ domestic helpers.

• People who hire unlicensed workers, recruit staff but do not provide a job, or use permits for domestic workers for purposes other than those for which they were issued will be fined a minimum of Dh50,000 and a maximum of Dh200,000.
• The same penalty applies to those who close recruitment agency operations without settling wages owed to domestic workers.

• Those who employ a worker under the age of 18 years or assist a worker to abscond or shelter absconding workers with the aim of exploiting them in illegal activities face fines of up to Dh200,000.

• Fines of between Dh200,000 and Dh1 million and jail time of up to one year can be imposed for attempting to employ a worker ― on a full-time or temporary basis ― without a permit and misusing login credentials for the ministry’s online portal.

• Fines related to employing unlicensed workers will be increased based on the number of workers, up to a maximum of Dh10m.

• Penalties will be doubled for repeat offenders.

“The new law sets a comprehensive legal framework that outlines the obligations of both parties and helps recruitment offices provide exceptional services that achieve comfort, satisfaction, and happiness for employers and employees alike.” the ministry said.

Other than the new rules, what are the rights of housemaids in UAE?

In addition to the basic rights outlined in the new rules for housemaids in the UAE, domestic workers are entitled to other rights under the country’s labor laws. These include:

1. Right to medical care: Employers must provide housemaids with access to medical care, including emergency medical treatment when needed.
2. Right to privacy: Housemaids have the right to privacy, and should be provided with proper accommodations that give them the privacy and dignity they need.
3. Right to end-of-service benefits: When a housemaid’s contract ends, the employer must pay them end-of-service benefits, which may also include a gratuity payment.
4. Right to complaint: Housemaids have the right to lodge a complaint if they feel their rights are violated or if they face abuse or mistreatment. The UAE government has set up a number of channels, including hotlines and complaint centers, to help domestic workers report violations.

Overall, the UAE’s labour laws aim to protect the rights of all workers, including domestic workers. By ensuring housemaids have basic rights

and protections, the government is working to create a fair and just society for all.

A safer option is to hire Raha to hire you trained and experienced housemaids and domestic workers, saving you legal hassles and easing your paperwork burden. Download Raha app now. Here

Sources

  FEDERAL DECREE-LAW NO.9 OF 2022 CONCERNING DOMESTIC WORKERS.

  Employment laws and regulations, The United Arab Emirates’ Government portal.

  New UAE domestic worker law comes into effect, Salam Al Amir, Dec 15, 2022, The National News.

  New domestic worker laws introduced in UAE, UAE authorities will introduce new penalties against recruiters, by Tom Evans, December 15, 2022, Time Out Dubai.

  UAE jobs: New salary payment rule for 5 types of domestic workers takes effect from April, by Web Desk, 31 Mar 2023, Khaleej Times.

Minimum wages and wage protection in the Arab States, The ILO International Labour Organization.

First, let’s know what a “Maid Visa” is in Dubai

A “Maid Visa” in Dubai is a visa that allows UAE residents to sponsor their domestic workers. This visa is also called a “Housemaid Visa” or a “Nanny Visa Dubai”. The maid visa in Dubai is valid for two years, and the sponsor must renew the visa to keep the same maid employed. The employer also needs to cancel the visa after a specific time, usually after four years. The maid must leave the UAE for at least six months before reapplying for a new visa.

How to sponsor a maid visa in Dubai under your direct sponsorship:

In order to apply for a maid visa under direct sponsorship in Dubai, residents and expats can follow almost the same procedures, except for a few differences:

• Obtain a tenancy contract or a property ownership certificate if you’re a UAE citizen, and a work permit or labor card from your employer if you’re an expat .
• Submit an application for a residence visa for the maid to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in the relevant Emirate.
• Provide a copy of your employment contract and salary certificate (and your work permit if you’re an expat).
• Submit the maid’s passport copy, passport-sized photographs, and a medical fitness certificate.
• Pay the required maid visa cost in Dubai, and provide proof of payment.
• Wait for the application to be processed and approved by the GDRFA.
• Once approved, the maid can enter the UAE and start working under your sponsorship.

Also note that the specific requirements and procedures may vary from one Emirate to another depending on your individual circumstances. It’s best to consult with the GDRFA or a reputable immigration consultant for more detailed and up-to-date information.

And these are the 4 most important sources that can help you sponsor a maid visa in Dubai

• General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) website: The GDRFA is the government agency responsible for issuing visas in Dubai. Their website provides information on the requirements for sponsoring a maid visa, the documents needed, and the application process.

• Dubai Government Service Portal: This website provides access to a variety of government services, including visa applications. You can find information on how to apply for a maid visa and what documents are required.

• Amer Centers: Amer Centers are government facilities that provide a range of visa and residency services. They have branches all over Dubai and can provide assistance with the maid visa application process.

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation: This website provides information on visa requirements for foreign nationals in the UAE, including maids. It also provides information on the documents needed to sponsor a maid visa.

Tip: If you’re sponsoring a maid in Dubai on your own, it’s always better to hire a lawyer

It’s important to note that the specific requirements for sponsoring a maid visa can vary depending on your individual circumstances, and it’s always a good idea to consult with a qualified immigration lawyer or visa agency for personalized advice to avoid legal accountability for violations you may not be aware of.

Instead, let Raha save you a breath and just select your maid

Raha is a domestic workers provider that allows UAE residents to search for and hire maids, nannies, personal drivers, and cooks. Raha islicencedd by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and is designed to make the process of hiring and sponsoring a maid in Dubai more convenient and efficient.

How to sponsor a maid visa in Dubai using Raha app?

You can use the Raha app to sponsor a specific maid of your choice in Dubai or to choose a maid from the available ones ready to be

hired on the app, trained, experienced, and legally covered, and in this case you only need to follow these steps:

• Download the Raha app, here.
• Register for an account and provide your personal information, including your Emirates ID and residency visa.
• Search for a maid based on your specific requirements, such as language skills, experience, and nationality.
• Select a maid that meets your requirements, and initiate the visa sponsorship process.
• Complete the application by providing the necessary documents, such as your Emirates ID, residency visa, and employment contract, and pay the necessary fees to complete the visa sponsorship process.

What are the requirements for sponsoring a maid using Raha app?

To sponsor a maid through the Raha app, you will need to meet the following requirements:

• A valid residency visa.
• Meet the minimum salary requirement, AED 25,000 per month for Dubai residents.
• Have a valid employment contract with the maid, outlining their duties, compensation, working hours, and other terms and conditions.
• Provide suitable accommodation for the maid, which may include a separate room with basic amenities such as a bed, wardrobe, and bathroom.
• Have a good conduct certificate from Dubai Police, which shows that you have no criminal record.
• Cover the expenses related to sponsoring a maid, including the visa fees, medical fitness test, good conduct certificate, and other costs.
• Be willing to comply with labor laws, providing the maid with a safe and healthy working environment, paying their salary on time, and providing them with adequate rest periods.

3 Reasons why Raha can be your most convenient choice for sponsoring a maid in Dubai

1. Raha app provides a more streamlined and automated process for hiring and sponsoring a maid.
2. Raha app costs you less.
3. Raha app provides more flexibility in terms of selecting a maid based on your specific requirements.

Download Raha app. Here

Sources

Maid Visa In Dubai: All You Need to Know, Oct 31, 2022, Virtu Zone

Dubai Nanny Visa – How to Sponsor Housemaid Visa in UAE? 18 July, 2022, Business Link

Complete Guide on Sponsoring a Maid Visa in Dubai, UAE through Tadbeer?, Deepak, (2022 New Updates), Emirates Diary

“The new law stipulates that the recruitment or temporary employment of domestic helpers shall not be allowed unless after obtaining a licence from the ministry,” the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) said. It could be shocking to know that the United Arab Emirates spends around 3 billion dollars annually on house helpers. And it’s a main reason why the MOHRE (the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization) recently issued laws to protect the rights of both employer and employee by requiring specific documents and procedures to maintain these rights.

How do I hire a maid in Dubai or a domestic helper?

The employer must apply for a residence visa for the maid through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and obtain an entry permit for the maid. The employer must also sign a standard contract with the maid that outlines the terms and conditions of employment, including the salary, working hours, and days off.

How much does a maid cost in Dubai?

The regulation does not have a specific minimum wage for maids or domestic workers. However, according to the laws of Dubai,

the employer must have a minimum monthly salary of AED 6,000 or AED 5,000 plus accommodation provided for the maid, medical insurance, and annual leave-go and back-tickets. The specific salary for the maid can be negotiated between the employer and the maid and should be outlined in the standard contract that both parties sign. It’s important to ensure that the salary offered is fair and reasonable for the work performed and in line with industry standards.

What are the documents required to hire a domestic helper in Dubai?

1. Passport and Emirates ID of the sponsor: The sponsor is the person who will be responsible for the maid’s visa and employment. They must provide their passport and Emirates ID to the maid agency or service.
2. Passport and visa of the maid: The maid must have a valid passport and visa in order to work in Dubai. The visa must be sponsored by the employer.
3. Medical certificate: The maid must have a valid medical certificate from a doctor in Dubai. The certificate must state that the maid is healthy and fit to work.
4. Police clearance certificate: The maid must have a valid police clearance certificate from their home country. The certificate must state that the maid has no criminal record.
5. Contract: The employer and maid must sign a contract that outlines the terms of employment. The contract should include the salary, working hours, duties, and vacation days.

The procedures that must be followed to hire a maid in Dubai or a domestic helper

• The employer must register with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
• The employer must apply for a visa for the maid.
• The employer must provide the maid with a medical certificate and police clearance certificate.
• The employer and maid must sign a contract.
• The employer must pay the maid’s salary and provide them with accommodation and food.

It is important to note that there are regulations in place to protect the rights of domestic workers in Dubai. Employers are required to provide their domestic helpers with proper accommodation, food, and medical care, and are not allowed to confiscate their passports or travel documents. The employer is responsible for the maid’s well-being while they are in Dubai. The employer must provide the maid with a safe and healthy working environment and ensure that they are not subjected to any form of abuse.

Employers who fail to comply with these regulations can face fines and other penalties.

The rights of your domestic helper

According to the law, the domestic helper is entitled to a weekly rest day as determined by the executive regulations of this law. The helper may be employed on his or her weekly rest day, but in this case he/she is entitled to an alternative rest day or a cash equivalent to that day, and the helper’s daily rest must not be less than 12 hours per day, subject to a minimum of at least eight continuous hours’ rest.

The annual leave should not be less than 30 paid days for each year, and if the domestic helper is asked to work during all or part of his/her annual leave, and the period is not carried over to the following year, the employer must grant the helper the wages plus a leave allowance equal to his/her wages for the days he/she worked in that period, bearing in mind that the domestic helper may not be asked to work during his/her annual leave more than once during two consecutive years.

If the domestic helper wishes to travel to the home country to spend his/her annual leave, the employer shall pay the value of a two-way ticket once every two years, and if the two parties agree to terminate or not renew the employment contract after the annual leave, the employer shall pay for a one-way ticket only.

The law grants the domestic helper the right to transfer to a new employer, provided that all contractual requirements specified in the contract are fulfilled, taking into account the rights of the original employer, and in accordance with the conditions and procedures in force by the ministry. The employer shall not be bound by the expenses of the helper returning to his/her country if he/she joins another job, in accordance with the provisions of this law and its executive regulations. In short points:

• A fair wage.
• A safe and healthy working environment free from physical and verbal abuse.
• Adequate rest and breaks, and at least one day off per week.
• Paid leave depends on their length of service.
• Medical insurance.
• The right to terminate their contract, giving their employer one month’s notice, unless they are being abused or exploited.

If a maid’s rights are violated, they can file a complaint with the MOHRE. The MOHRE will investigate the complaint and take appropriate action.

Conclusion

Handling the required legal documents can be irritating when you’re an expat in a foreign country, especially when it comes to the legal rights of another person that you’re hiring. There are main duties you have when hiring a domestic helper to stay legally safe.

Let Raha be your safe access

Instead of spending much time collecting information about how to hire a maid in Dubai, inviting one from her country, training her, and spending more time and effort guiding her to do what you need her to do, you can leave the complete burden on Raha, and we will handle everything on your behalf, provide you with the domestic helper you need, fully skilled, trained, and experienced, and cover the legal compliance, dispute, and contract termination. Even if the domestic helper escapes, we guarantee your rights and send you another one without losing any time, money, or effort, and of course, without exposing yourself to a legal violation that you’re not aware of.

Raha will keep your legal situation and reputation clear and safe from risks, yet provide you with the domestic helper you need.

Discover Raha’s full-time Flexible Package for your convenience. Download Raha app. Here.

Sources

• New Domestic Helper Law Safeguards Rights Of All Parties, MoHRE says, October 11, 2022, The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
• Requirements and costs for a resident house helper in UAE, Sawsan Alsharanee, 29th August, 2022, SPC Free Zone
• Rights of domestic workers in UAE as per labour law 2023, UAE labours.
• New UAE law on domestic helpers: Residents can’t hire maids without licence, Staff Reporter, 11 Oct 2022, Khaleej Times.