What are the UAE domestic worker laws? The UAE regulates domestic employment primarily through Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 on Domestic Workers, which replaced the earlier Federal Law No. 10 of 2017. The 2022 law establishes binding obligations for employers, mandatory contract terms, rest-day entitlements, end-of-service benefits, and penalties for non-compliance. It applies to all domestic workers in the UAE, including maids, nannies, cooks, drivers, gardeners, and private security guards.
For employers navigating these requirements, a plain-language summary of UAE domestic worker laws can save hours of legal research. Below, we break down the critical provisions every household employer in the UAE should understand heading into the second half of 2026.
What Does Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 Cover?
The law governs the relationship between household employers and domestic workers across all seven emirates. Its key provisions include:
Mandatory written contract: Every domestic worker must have a MOHRE-approved standard employment contract before their work visa is issued. The contract specifies job duties, salary, working hours, accommodation, and notice-period terms.
Rest days: Workers are entitled to at least one paid rest day per week. During Ramadan, working hours must be reduced by two hours per day.
Annual leave: 30 days of paid annual leave after 12 continuous months of employment, with a round-trip air ticket to the worker’s home country.
Sick leave: Up to 30 days of sick leave per year (15 days paid, 15 days unpaid), provided the illness is not caused by worker misconduct.
End-of-service gratuity: Calculated at 14 days’ basic salary per year of service, payable upon completion of the contract or termination by the employer.
How Does the Tadbeer System Work?
Tadbeer centres are MOHRE-licensed domestic worker recruitment and service hubs. There are over 30 licensed Tadbeer centres operating across the UAE, offering end-to-end services: sourcing, medical examination, orientation training, visa processing, Emirates ID issuance, and ongoing dispute resolution. Employers can recruit domestic workers through a Tadbeer centre or sponsor them independently, but in both cases the MOHRE standard contract is mandatory.
The cost of processing a maid visa through Tadbeer varies depending on the worker’s nationality and the services bundled by the centre. For a current breakdown of Tadbeer visa costs, including government fees, medical testing, and Emirates ID charges, ChooseMaid maintains an updated cost guide.
What Are the Employer’s Legal Obligations?
Under the law, employers must:
1. Provide suitable accommodation that meets health and safety standards, including a private sleeping area for live-in workers.
2. Pay salary on time. Salaries must be transferred through the Wage Protection System (WPS) or a bank transfer traceable by MOHRE.
3. Maintain valid medical insurance for the worker throughout the contract period, as mandated by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and equivalent bodies in other emirates.
4. Bear the cost of visa issuance, renewal, and cancellation. Charging these fees to the worker is prohibited.
5. Not confiscate the worker’s passport or personal documents under any circumstances. Passport confiscation is a criminal offence under UAE law.
What Is the Visa Sponsorship Process for Domestic Workers?
The employer (sponsor) must hold a valid UAE residence visa and meet a minimum income threshold, generally AED 6,000 per month or AED 72,000 annually, though thresholds may vary by emirate and family size. The process involves:
Step 1: Apply for a domestic worker entry permit through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or a Tadbeer centre.
Step 2: Once the worker arrives, complete medical fitness testing at an approved centre within 30 days.
Step 3: Submit the MOHRE standard contract, biometrics, and supporting documents to obtain the residence visa and Emirates ID. The two-year residence visa for a domestic worker typically costs between AED 5,000 and AED 7,000 in government fees, excluding Tadbeer service charges.
What Penalties Apply for Non-Compliance?
Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 introduced a tiered penalty structure. Employers who fail to provide a written contract, withhold salary, or deny mandatory rest days face fines starting at AED 5,000, increasing with repeat violations. Passport confiscation is prosecuted under the Anti-Human Trafficking Law (Federal Law No. 51 of 2006, as amended) and can result in imprisonment.
Disputes between employers and domestic workers are adjudicated by MOHRE’s labour dispute resolution division. If unresolved within 14 days, the case may be referred to the competent court. Employers should maintain records of salary payments, leave approvals, and contract amendments to protect their position in any dispute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hire a domestic worker without going through a Tadbeer centre?
Yes. UAE law permits direct sponsorship of domestic workers without using a Tadbeer centre. However, you must still use the MOHRE standard contract, process the visa through ICP, and comply with all provisions of Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022. Tadbeer centres simplify the process but are not legally mandatory.
What happens if my domestic worker files a complaint against me?
MOHRE’s dispute resolution team will contact both parties and attempt mediation within 14 days. If mediation fails, the case is forwarded to the labour court. During the dispute, the worker’s visa remains valid, and the employer cannot cancel it unilaterally. Having documented salary transfers and a signed contract significantly strengthens the employer’s position.
Are there different rules for domestic workers in free zones?
No. Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 applies uniformly across all emirates and is not affected by free zone regulations. Free zone employment laws (governed by their respective authorities) cover commercial employees, not domestic workers. All domestic workers fall under federal jurisdiction regardless of where the employer resides.
