The Full Guide to Hire a Maid or Domestic Helpers in the UAE

  • Publish date: Tuesday، 01 March 2022 | Last update: Tuesday، 19 April 2022
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Most of the families in the UAE require domestic helpers for numerous services such as babysitters, helpers, cooks, or drivers. It is required to be financially strong, so you can easily hire a foreign domestic helper or a house cleaner. Furthermore, you must be aware of the rules to be followed for hiring or sponsoring a house cleaner or other domestic helper in UAE. Find out in this article all you need to know about UAE maids law and the process of hiring a maid or a domestic helper in UAE. 

Types of Domestic Helpers According to UAE Law?  

The domestic helper's law in the UAE has defined 19 jobs under the service work occupations, and they include:  

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  • Housemaid 

  • Private sailor 

  • Watchman and security guard 

  • Household shepherd 

  • Family chauffeur 

  • Parking valet workers 

  • Household horse groomer 

  • Household falcon caretaker and trainer 

  • Domestic laborer 

  • Housekeeper 

  • Private coach 

  • Private teacher 

  • Babysitter/nanny 

  • Household farmer 

  • Gardener 

  • Private nurse 

  • Private PRO 

  • Private agriculture engineer 

  • Cook 

The Process to Hire a Helper in UAE  

What is the process of hiring a maid UAE full time or a domestic helper for any service? Tadbeer centers are regulated by MoHRE and are responsible for managing agencies for recruiting domestic helpers. The centers guarantee a visa, orientation, and training to the workers, while Tadbeer centers provide customers with four packages to choose from to recruit domestic helpers. Packages are: 

  1. Direct Sponsorship Package to Recruit Domestic Helper 

In this package, Tadbeer centers recruit domestic helpers from outside the UAE and guarantee their performance and loyalty for 180 days, while their visas will be under the direct sponsorship of the employing family. 

  1. Direct Sponsorship After 6 Months to Recruit Domestic Helper 

This package allows families to hire a worker on a temporary basis for six months after which, the helper’s visa can be transferred under the family sponsorship on the agreement of both parties. 

  1. Tadbeer Sponsorship to Recruit Domestic Helper 

The third package provides the option of hiring workers under the sponsorship of the Tadbeer center. 

  1. Time-based Packages to Recruit Domestic Helper 

This package provides on-demand services that allow families to hire a helper under the sponsorship of Tadbeer centers to provide flexible services according to the requirements of the customers. 

Where to Apply for a Work Permit for Foreign Domestic Worker 

You need to apply for a work permit to hire a foreign domestic worker (FDW) to work in UAE through MOHRE. UAE Nationals, GCC Nationals, and valid UAE residents can apply for work permits for foreign domestic workers online or visit one of Tasheel that works from Saturday – Thursday from 08:00 am – 08:00 pm. For more information, you can call 80060. 

Or simply visit one of the recruiting domestic helper's agencies in UAE that will handle the entire process.   

Who Can Hire a Domestic Helper Under His/her Sponsorship in UAE? 

The Executive Regulation of Federal Law No. 10 of 2017 on Domestic Workers provides that expatriate residents cannot hire a domestic helper unless temporarily and not be under his sponsorship under provisions set by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization. But there is an exception for the following categories:   

  • Individuals and families with monthly income of 25,000 AED from known legal sources. 

  • Persons permitted to sponsor domestic helpers under decisions of the UAE Cabinet.  

  • Patients with accredited medical coverage, provided that their family members have a monthly Income of over 15,000 AED. 

  • Holders of senior designations such as consultants of different specialties, judges, and legal counselors. 

  • Any other cases defined by the competent minister according to the labor regulations. 

Requirements to Sponsor Maid in Dubai 

You will need to submit the following documents and requirements to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs when applying for a residency permit for the maid:   

  • Passport copy of the sponsor is required with the Valid Residence Stamp 

  • Needs to provide Attested Labor Contact or original Salary Certificate of sponsors in Arabic whose visas are direct from immigration. 

  • The sponsor must have at least a two-bedroom apartment and a copy of the Attested Tenancy Contract by Ejari. 

  • Helper’s passport copy (Passport must be valid for at least 6 months). 

  • 4 recent passport size photos with white background are required. 

  • If a helper is from the same country as the sponsor, then an Affidavit from respective Embassy certifying non-relationship is required. 

  • Application for helper visa need to be filled from authorized typing center. 

What are the Entitlements of Domestic Workers 

What are the entitlements of the maid in UAE or any domestic helper? The domestic helper's law forces the sponsor to comply with the following laws:  

  • Payment of wages, as set out in the standard contract, within 10 days from the day they are due 

  • 1 day of paid rest per week 

  • 12 hours of rest per day, including 8 hours consecutive rest  

  • 30 days paid vacation per year 

  • Medical insurance provided by the employer   

  • 30 days medical leave per year  

  • A round trip ticket home every 2 years  

  • Decent accommodation  

  • Decent meals at the employer’s expense  

  • Attire suitable for the job to be carried out, at the employer’s expense 

  • Possession of their personal identification papers such as passports, IDs, etc.  

  • Either the employer or the worker can refer to a dispute with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization. The ministry will attempt to resolve the dispute amicably within a period of two weeks. If it is not resolved within two weeks, then the matter will be referred to a court. 

  • Cases filed by workers are exempt from court fees at all stages of litigation and must be heard in a speedy and prompt manner.  

House Maid Salary in UAE 

How much are maids paid in Dubai and other Emirates? The sponsor pays AED 5000 (Ethiopia, Uganda, and Nigeria), AED 8000 (Philippines & Indonesian) for the recruiting domestic helper's agencies, and AED 2000 for the Visa.  

Salaries of housemaids in Dubai and other Emirates are 800 AED for maids from Ethiopia, Uganda, and Nigeria. While Philippines and Indonesian maid salaries in UAE range between AED 1200 – AED 1400. 

Legal Prohibitions 

The draft Domestic Labour Law prohibits the following: 

  • the employment of anyone under the age of 18. 

  • discrimination based on race, color, gender, religion, and political opinion 

  • sexual harassment, whether verbal or physical. 

  • forced labor or trafficking in accordance with national law and ratified international conventions. 

  • exposure to physical harm. 

  • assignment of tasks that are not covered under the contract. 

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