Domestic Worker Categories
UAE law (Federal Law No. 10 of 2017 — Domestic Workers Law) recognizes specific domestic worker categories, each with their own visa and contract requirements:
- Housemaid / Domestic Helper
- Nanny / Childcare worker
- Driver / Chauffeur
- Cook / Chef (household)
- Housekeeper
- Garden Caretaker
- Family private security guard (subject to approval)
Sponsorship Requirements
To sponsor a domestic worker in the UAE, you must:
- Be a UAE resident with a valid residency visa and Emirates ID
- Minimum monthly salary of AED 6,000 (subject to MOHRE requirements at time of application)
- Valid Ejari tenancy contract showing residential property
- Clean police record (no pending cases)
Golden Visa holders can sponsor unlimited domestic workers. Standard residence visa holders are typically permitted 1–3 domestic workers depending on household size and salary.
MOHRE Domestic Worker Contract
All domestic workers in the UAE must have a standardized MOHRE employment contract signed by both employer and employee. This contract specifies:
- Job title and duties
- Monthly salary
- Working hours (maximum 12 hours/day with 8 hours rest)
- Annual leave (30 days/year)
- Weekly rest day (minimum 1 day per week)
- Medical insurance coverage (employer's responsibility)
- End of Service Benefit (EOSB) — 1 month salary per year of service after 1 year
- Round-trip airfare to country of origin every 2 years
We prepare and register the contract with MOHRE on your behalf.
Recruitment Options
From Abroad
Sponsor a domestic worker directly from their home country (Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Ethiopia, etc.):
- Apply for recruitment approval through MOHRE
- Domestic worker enters UAE on a domestic worker entry permit
- In some cases, recruitment must go through a MOHRE-registered domestic worker agency
Transfer from Within UAE
If the domestic worker is already in the UAE under a different sponsor, we process an internal transfer — subject to the current sponsor's NOC.
Temporary Domestic Worker Visa
For householder visits or short-term arrangements. Available through select authorized agencies.
Process
Step 1 — MOHRE Approval
We submit your domestic worker sponsorship application to MOHRE, including your salary certificate, Ejari, and Emirates ID.
Step 2 — Contract Preparation
MOHRE standard employment contract is prepared in English and Arabic, signed by you and submitted online.
Step 3 — Entry Permit
GDRFA domestic worker entry permit issued — the worker enters UAE on this permit.
Step 4 — Medical Fitness Test
Domestic workers complete a medical fitness test at an approved UAE health center within 30 days of arrival.
Step 5 — Emirates ID
Enrollment at ICP service center. Emirates ID issued within 7–10 working days.
Step 6 — Visa Stamping
Domestic worker residency visa stamped in passport.
Total timeline: 10–20 working days (from approval to visa stamp)
Employer Obligations Under UAE Law
UAE's Domestic Workers Law grants domestic workers significant protections that employers must respect:
- Medical insurance: Employer must provide health insurance from day one
- Working hours: Maximum 12 hours/day, 8 hours rest guaranteed
- Rest day: Minimum one paid rest day per week
- Annual leave: 30 days paid annual leave per year
- Return airfare: Every 2 years (or upon contract termination)
- EOSB: 1 month salary per year of service (paid at end of employment)
- Accommodation and meals: Employer's responsibility (unless cash allowance agreed)
Failure to comply can result in MOHRE sanctions, domestic worker complaints, and restrictions on future domestic worker sponsorship.
Domestic Worker Cancellation
When a domestic worker leaves your employment:
- Visa must be formally cancelled with GDRFA within 30 days of departure
- MOHRE notified of contract termination
- Final salary and EOSB calculated and paid
- Exit permit arranged if needed
We handle all cancellation and final settlement formalities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a maid from my home country directly? Yes — subject to MOHRE approval and the bilateral agreement between UAE and the worker's home country. Some source countries (e.g., Philippines, Indonesia) have specific requirements managed through their respective embassies in the UAE.
What is the minimum salary I must pay a domestic worker? The minimum varies by nationality under bilateral agreements. Typical minimums range from AED 1,200–2,000/month depending on the source country. We advise on the correct figure for your worker's nationality.
Can the domestic worker change employers? Yes, with the current employer's NOC and MOHRE approval for the transfer. We manage the transfer process.
What happens if the domestic worker runs away (absconding)? You must file an absconding report with MOHRE within 72 hours of the worker going missing. This is critical to protect you from liability. We assist with the report filing and legal implications.
+971 50 380 7565 | support@hashmibusinessconsultant.com