Domestic workers in the UAE are protected by the executive regulations of 2022, ensuring that both employers and employees are aware of their rights and obligations. The law covers 19 different occupations and prohibits discrimination based on various factors. The regulations also outline the guidelines for salary deductions for domestic workers, allowing deductions for damages caused by a worker, but with limits on the amount that can be deducted.
In cases of serious mistakes or violations by the worker, employers can deduct up to a quarter of the cost needed to fix the damage. If there is a dispute between the employer and the domestic worker that cannot be resolved, it must be referred to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre). Workers are entitled to receive their wages on time, have rest days and breaks, and are also entitled to paid annual leave, sick leave, and a round-trip ticket home every two years.
Employers in the UAE have several obligations towards domestic workers, including providing necessary facilities for effective work performance, timely payment of remuneration, access to medical care, a safe working environment, and compensation in cases of work-related injuries or diseases. Employers must also ensure that workers have access to their personal identification documents and passports. Domestic workers in the UAE are entitled to fair treatment and protection under the law.
In the UAE, 19 occupations fall within the scope of domestic workers, including housemaids, sailors, guards, shepherds, jockeys, and more. When hiring a domestic worker, residents must go through approved recruitment agencies to avoid dealing with unauthorized centers. The Federal Decree by Law No. (9) of 2022 Concerning Domestic Workers outlines the rights and obligations of domestic workers and employers in the UAE. Stay informed about the latest news by following KT on WhatsApp Channels and stay up to date on the regulations and guidelines governing domestic workers in the UAE.
