Indian families in the UAE who want to hire house helps directly from India must follow strict rules from both India and the UAE. A UAE legal explainer from August 23, 2026, shows that you need more than just a UAE work permit. You must also follow India emigration rules, use the eMigrate system, get Indian mission attestation, and use UAE MOHRE-approved contracts. Here are the key facts you need to know: Families must follow rules from both Indian and UAE authorities. Female workers under 30 with ECR passports cannot work in ECR countries. Employers must use official MOHRE channels and get standard contracts.
For Indian citizens with an Emigration Check Required (ECR) passport, travel to the UAE for work needs formal clearance from the Protector of Emigrants because the UAE is an ECR country. Under current Indian rules, female domestic workers under the age of 30 with ECR passports cannot get emigration clearance for work in ECR countries. This rule does not apply to ECNR passport holders.
Employers must check both the passport category and the age of the worker. Workers under the ECR category must use the Indian government eMigrate system. Employment contracts for housemaids and unskilled workers often need attestation by the relevant Indian Mission or Post.
Essential needs for emigration clearance include a valid work visa, passport, and joining schemes like the Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana. In the UAE, domestic worker jobs follow Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022. Employers must get a MOHRE-approved standard work contract. This contract states workplace details, wages, contract length, leave, rest times, and medical care.
Employers must give proper housing, food, and safe working conditions. Workers have the right to keep their own ID papers like their passport and Emirates ID. Workers cannot be forced to do jobs outside of their contract without permission.
Dubai-based employers may need to show a full list of documents during the application. These documents include passports, residence visas, Emirates ID, marriage certificates, tenancy contracts (Ejari), utility bills, and salary certificates.
Business owners may need to give trade licenses. Authorities advise using approved domestic-worker service centers and MOHRE-authorized channels to stop legal and money problems from unlicensed agents.
After the MOHRE offer letter and UAE entry permit are issued, the worker must finish all India-side emigration steps. When the worker arrives in the UAE, the employer must start post-arrival steps. These steps include medical fitness tests, health insurance sign-up, and finishing Emirates ID and residency papers.
Some hiring steps may also need post-arrival registration through the Indian Consulate or authorized service channels.