The United Arab Emirates government has issued a clarification confirming that domestic workers are covered under a specific federal legal framework, distinct from private-sector labour laws, encompassing 19 defined professions. These roles include housemaid, sailor, guard, shepherd, jockey, tamer, falcon care-taker, worker, housekeeper, cook, nanny/babysitter, farm worker/grower, gardener, personal trainer/coach, private tutor, home nurse, personal assistant, private agricultural engineer, and personal/family driver.
- Governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022
- Encompasses 19 defined domestic professions
- Outlines specific rights for contracts and salary payments
Governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 and its amendments, these professions are entitled to specific rights regarding contracts, salary payments, rest periods, annual leave, and accommodation.
Under this legal framework, employers are required to pay salaries within 10 days of the due date and are encouraged to use approved official payment channels to ensure records exist. Workers are entitled to a paid weekly rest day and a minimum of 12 hours of daily rest, including at least eight consecutive hours. Annual leave is set at 30 days of paid leave per year, with entitlement to a round-trip ticket to the worker's home country typically every two years. Sick leave is available for up to 30 days annually, with the first 15 days at full pay and the subsequent 15 days at half pay, subject to valid medical documentation.
Legal requirements explicitly state that domestic workers must retain possession of their personal identification documents, such as passports and IDs.
Employers are obligated to provide suitable accommodation, appropriate meals, and medical care, either through direct coverage or health insurance. It is prohibited for employers to charge workers for recruitment fees or placement costs. Work permits are strictly tied to the nature of the employment; domestic workers cannot be deployed to work in commercial establishments, nor can they be forced to perform duties outside the scope of their contracts. Recruitment must be conducted through MoHRE-licensed agencies, which are responsible for ensuring workers are informed of their job duties and terms before arrival. In the event of a dispute, parties may file a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, which aims to resolve issues within two weeks before potentially escalating matters to the courts. Indian expatriate workers and employers are urged to verify that employment contracts and permits accurately reflect the worker's duties to remain compliant with UAE labor laws.
