In Dubai, domestic workers, including maids, are protected by laws and regulations that outline their rights and responsibilities, as well as those of their employers. These rules cover areas like working hours, rest periods, salaries, accommodation, leave, and termination. Employers must provide fair wages, suitable accommodation, and proper healthcare for their maids. Maids, in turn, are expected to perform their duties with care, respect their employers’ property, and maintain professional conduct.
Table of Contents
Key Rules and Regulations:
1. Working Hours and Rest:Â
Maids are entitled to a defined number of working hours per day (typically 8-10 hours) and a weekly day off. They also need a daily rest period of at least 12 hours, including 8 consecutive hours of sleep.Â
2. Salaries and Payments:
Wages must be paid promptly in accordance with the terms outlined in the employment contract.
 3. Accommodation:
Employers are obligated to provide suitable living conditions for live-in maids.Â
4.Leaves:
Maids are entitled to 30 days of paid annual leave and up to 30 days of sick leave.
5. Termination:
Both employers and maids can terminate the contract, but proper notice and procedures must be followed.Â
6. Responsibilities:Â
Maids should perform their duties with care, follow employer instructions, protect the employer’s property, and avoid harming family members.Â
7. Respect and Professionalism:
Maids are expected to be respectful, professional, and maintain appropriate conduct in the home.Â
8. End-of-Service Benefits:
After completing one year of service, maids are entitled to end-of-service benefits, including gratuity and return airfare.
9. Dispute Resolution:Â
Complaints and disputes can be filed with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).Â
Employer Responsibilities:Â
- Ensure the maid has a valid visa, Emirates ID, and active health insurance.
- Pay salaries and benefits as per the contract.
- Ensure the maid has proper accommodation and meals.
- Provide medical care or insurance coverage.
- Respect the maid’s rights and treat them with dignity.
Maid Responsibilities:
- Perform duties as agreed in the contract.
- Respect the employer’s property and family.
- Maintain a professional demeanor.
- Adhere to the agreed-upon working hours and rest periods.
- Follow the employer’s instructions.Â
Entitlements of the domestic workers
According to the Decree Law, domestic workers have the right to:
- Wages must be paid, as stated in the contract, within 10 days of the due date.
- One day of paid rest per week
- 12 hours of daily rest, including 8 hours of continuous sleep.
- 30 days of paid annual leave
- a round-trip ticket home every 2 yearsÂ
- 30 days of sick leave per yearÂ
- Hold their personal identification documents like passports, IDs, and more.
Dispute Resolution for Domestic Workers in the UAE
In the UAE, if a conflict arises between an employer and a domestic worker that cannot be resolved through mutual agreement, the matter must be reported to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
- If MoHRE is unable to mediate a resolution within 14 days, the dispute is escalated to the UAE Labour Court with MoHRE’s official recommendation.
- Court fees are waived for domestic workers at all stages of the legal process.
- The UAE legal system ensures that such cases are addressed in a fast-tracked and efficient manner, in line with domestic labor law protections.
People Also Ask
What are the rules for a housemaid in the UAE?
What are maids not allowed to do?
How do you set rules for a maid?
- Define Duties and Responsibilities
- Establish Work Hours and Rest Days
- Communication and Respect
- Boundaries and Privacy
- Hygiene and Health
- Give Written Guidelines
- Handle Violations Calmly
- Legal and Ethical Considerations
