Latest news with #DomesticWorkersLaw
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Can expats hire more than one housemaid? Legal requirements clarified
Question: I am an expat resident and recently brought my parents here in Dubai on a residence visa because there is no one to look after them in our home country. I already have a housemaid under my sponsorship. Am I allowed to hire 2 more maids and what are the requirements? Answer: The provisions of Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2022 Concerning Domestic Workers and its subsequent ministerial resolutions are silent related to the number of domestic workers that an individual may sponsor in the UAE. A recognised maid recruitment agency in the UAE may not recruit a domestic worker in the UAE without obtaining a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MoHRE). This is in accordance with Article 4(1) of the Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2022 Concerning Domestic Workers which states, "Domestic workers may not be hired or temporarily employed without a licence from the Ministry, in accordance with the provisions of the Implementing Regulation of this Decree Law and the decisions of the Ministry relating thereto.' It is mandatory for an employer or a recruitment agency of a domestic worker to have an employment contract signed with a domestic worker and registered with the MoHRE. This is in accordance with Article 6 and Article 7 of the UAE Domestic Workers Law. An employer/sponsor of a domestic worker needs to follow the guidelines and provisions of UAE Domestic Workers Law while employing a domestic worker at his or her residence. It may include but is not limited to providing the domestic worker with the facilities to perform her duties, allot appropriate accommodation, provision of food and means, clothing if required to perform the duties, timely payment of remuneration, incur costs related to health insurance, be respectful to the domestic worker and the domestic worker should be allowed to retain her official documents. This is in accordance with Article 11 of the UAE Domestic Workers Law which states about the obligations of the employer/sponsor towards a domestic worker. Moreover, Article 7 of the Cabinet Resolution No. 106 of 2022 Pertaining to the Executive Regulations of Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2022 Concerning Domestic Workers states that an employer/sponsor may not employ a domestic worker for more than 12 hours a day and without a break after continuous work for eight hours a day. Article 8 of the Cabinet Resolution 106 of 2022 on Domestic Workers Law states that an employer/sponsor needs to grant a weekly holiday to a domestic worker. Based on the aforementioned provisions, you may consider sponsoring a domestic worker if you fulfil the relevant requirements as required by MoHRE and other authorities. Therefore, you may contact the MoHRE for further clarification on this matter. However, you may also consider hiring a domestic help/maid in the UAE through the recognised domestic recruitment agencies in the UAE as mentioned in Article 4 and Article 5 of the UAE Domestic Workers Law. UAE's Domestic Workers Law is silent regarding the number of domestic workers that an individual may engage/sponsor. However, in practice, approvals for hiring additional domestic workers may depend on your personal circumstances, including financial capacity and the specific needs of your household. Furthermore, you may have an option of hiring through a recognised domestic recruitment agency. For further clarification on this matter, you may contact the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security.
Hi Dubai
19-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
UAE: Key Risks of Hiring Domestic Workers Through Unlicensed Agencies
The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) has issued a fresh warning to employers and families about the dangers of hiring domestic workers through unlicensed recruitment channels, particularly as such services increasingly surface on social media platforms. MoHRE stressed that bypassing approved agencies poses serious risks not only to employers' legal standing but also to their households' safety and wellbeing. Authorities have outlined five key dangers associated with using unverified domestic labour providers: Legal accountability – Employing a domestic worker without official sponsorship or documentation is a violation of UAE labour laws and can lead to penalties. Health hazards – Unlicensed workers often lack official medical clearance, potentially exposing families to infectious diseases. Security threats – Informal recruitment increases the risk of hiring individuals with criminal records or ties to illegal activities. Lack of training – Workers may not meet skill or behavioural standards due to inadequate vetting or training. No contractual protections – Without valid contracts, employers cannot legally hold workers accountable or seek recourse for breaches. Why Licensed Agencies Are the Safer Choice Approved recruitment agencies operate strictly under the UAE's Domestic Workers Law. These agencies are: Regularly audited for compliance with labour regulations. Required to offer transparent, Ministry-approved pricing in line with source-country recruitment costs. Held accountable for worker conduct, training, and medical fitness. In essence, licensed agencies ensure protection for both parties—offering employers peace of mind and safeguarding workers' rights. Recruitment Packages Regulated by Mohre Mohre-authorised recruitment agencies offer three structured packages to meet different employer needs: 1. Traditional Package The worker is under the employer's sponsorship and lives in the household. Includes a two-year contract with a six-month probation period. Employers can request a replacement or refund during probation for: Resignation without cause Absconding Medical unfitness Inability to perform agreed duties Partial refunds apply post-probation based on contract duration remaining. 2. Temporary Package Worker is sponsored by the agency and does not reside with the employer. Services can be initiated within 24 hours. Ideal for short-term or live-out arrangements with a two-year contract. 3. Flexible Package Workers are provided on an hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Registered with the agency and not tied to employer sponsorship. Includes unlimited replacements and same-day service availability. Wage Payment Reforms Enhance Transparency The UAE has also implemented reforms to ensure wage protection for domestic workers. Select worker categories must now be paid via the Wages Protection System (WPS). This system is designed to: Ensure timely, documented salary payments. Provide digital transparency for both employers and workers. Reduce wage-related disputes. Support the stability of contractual agreements. Keep Mohre updated on wage transactions to prevent violations. The ministry strongly urges residents to rely only on licensed recruitment firms to hire domestic workers. Doing so not only aligns with national regulations but also upholds the safety, security, and rights of all parties involved. News Source: Khaleej Times
Hi Dubai
19-05-2025
- General
- Hi Dubai
Dubai: Can Expats Hire More Than One Housemaid?
Question: As an expat resident in Dubai, I've recently brought my elderly parents on a residence visa since there's no one to care for them back home. I already sponsor one housemaid. Am I permitted to hire two additional maids, and what are the legal requirements to do so? Answer: Yes, but it depends on several factors — and there's no fixed number mentioned in UAE law. An expat resident in Dubai who already sponsors one housemaid and has recently brought their elderly parents to live with them asked whether it's legally permissible to hire two more domestic workers to help manage the household. According to the UAE's Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2022 Concerning Domestic Workers, there is no specific limit set on the number of domestic workers an individual may sponsor. The law does not mention any maximum number, and the decision often comes down to an applicant's personal circumstances and whether they meet the eligibility criteria set by authorities. However, any domestic worker — regardless of how many are hired — must be employed through a proper work permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). This is clearly outlined in Article 4(1) of the law, which states that no domestic worker can be hired or temporarily employed without a licence from the Ministry. Employers must also ensure a registered employment contract is in place. Articles 6 and 7 of the Domestic Workers Law mandate that a contract must be signed and registered with MoHRE. Sponsoring a domestic worker comes with clear obligations: providing food, accommodation, clothing if needed for duties, timely salary payments, health insurance, and respecting the worker's rights — including the right to retain personal documents. These responsibilities are laid out under Article 11 of the same law. In addition, working hours must be kept within legal limits. A domestic worker cannot be made to work more than 12 hours a day, and must be given a break after eight continuous hours of work, as per Article 7 of Cabinet Resolution No. 106 of 2022. Article 8 also guarantees them a weekly day off. While the law doesn't impose a cap on the number of domestic workers one can hire, approvals are often granted based on the applicant's financial capacity, household needs, and compliance with all legal requirements. Sponsoring more than one maid is possible, but each case is subject to review. To proceed, residents are advised to either approach a licensed domestic worker recruitment agency or contact the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, or MoHRE directly for case-specific guidance. News Source: Khaleej Times
Arab Times
02-04-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
UAE sets guidelines for domestic worker recruitment fee refunds
ABU DHABI, April 2: The UAE's Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has outlined four specific cases where employers are entitled to a refund of domestic worker recruitment fees. Agencies are required to process these refunds within two weeks of a worker's return or the reporting of their absence. Failure to comply will result in legal and administrative action. Employers are eligible for a refund under the following conditions: 1. The worker is deemed incompetent or professionally unsuitable during the probation period. 2. The worker terminates the contract or abandons the job without a valid reason. 3. The employer ends the contract due to the agency's failure to meet agreed conditions. 4. The worker is found medically unfit during the probation period, in which case the agency must also reimburse government fees paid by the employer. In a report published in its Labour Market magazine, MOHRE revealed that 36 recruitment agencies faced legal and administrative action in January and February 2025. Of these, 22 agencies were penalized in February for 37 violations of the Domestic Workers Law, while 14 agencies faced action in January for 22 infractions. The most common violations involved failing to refund recruitment fees within the required two-week period or neglecting to report a worker's absence. MOHRE issued a strict warning to agencies, emphasizing that non-compliance will result in legal action, including the potential revocation of licenses for serious breaches. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to stringent monitoring to ensure compliance and protect all parties involved in employment contracts, while also recognizing agencies that adhere to regulations and deliver quality services. MOHRE reiterated its zero-tolerance policy, warning that agencies found guilty of misconduct risk losing their licenses. The ministry pledged to maintain rigorous oversight to ensure that legal and contractual obligations are met.
Filipino Times
28-03-2025
- Filipino Times
MOHRE: 22 domestic worker recruitment agencies fined for violating laws
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) said it would take legal and administrative measures against 22 domestic worker recruitment offices for violating the Domestic Workers Law in February. These offices were found to have committed 37 violations, primarily for failing to refund recruitment fees to employers within the mandated two-week period. As per the law, recruitment agencies are required to return all or part of the recruitment fee if a domestic worker is either returned to the agency or reported absent from work during this time. This action comes after similar steps taken by the Ministry in January, when 14 other recruitment offices were found to have committed the same violations. In a press release, MOHRE emphasized that the ministry would take a firm stance against any domestic labor recruitment offices failing to comply with the law, which could include revoking of licenses, potentially leading to their closure. Meanwhile, MOHRE reassured the public of the effectiveness of its monitoring system to protect the rights of both employers and domestic workers. The Ministry also acknowledged the efforts of those agencies that follow the rules and continue to provide reliable services to their clients. Employers who encounter such violations were encouraged to report through the ministry's digital channels or by contacting the Legal Advice Center's hotline at 80084. Additionally, MOHRE issued a strong warning against dealing with unlicensed domestic worker recruitment offices. For a comprehensive list of licensed agencies, visit its official website,
