On October 5, 2022, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) announced the introduction of Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2022 concerning domestic workers in the UAE.

This new law was passed on September 9 but will come into effect on December 15, 2022.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization posted a series of social media posts on October 11 discussing the new law's implications for domestic workers, employers, and recruitment agencies.

According to MOHRE: “The Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2022 regarding domestic helpers aims to guarantee the rights of all parties involved, whether employer, employee, or recruitment agency, and outline their responsibilities towards each other, set clearly in line with the UAE's prioritisation of human rights.”

In addition, MOHRE pointed out that domestic workers have the right to a daily paid day off as well as weekly breaks and holidays.

In this article, we explain how the new 'Domestic Helper Law' affects domestic workers and employers in the UAE and protects their rights.

Domestic workers' rights in UAE under the new law:

New laws protect domestic workers in the UAE under seven basic rights. According to MOHRE, the new domestic worker law includes the following details:

1. Weekly paid one-day breaks. They are entitled to a day in lieu of work or cash compensation for working on their day off. 

2. Daily breaks must not be less than 12 hours, 8 of which must be consecutive.

3. There must be a minimum of 30 days of paid vacation every year.

4. The employer will sponsor a two-way air ticket once every two years for the domestic helper to visit their hometown.

5. A maximum of 30 days' sick leave, consecutive or divided, within a contractual year. An official medical report from a credible UAE health authority is required.

6. The first 15 sick days will be paid in full; the remaining 15 will be half-paid.

7. It is the employee's right to receive a copy of their employment contract.

Employer's rights in UAE under the new law: 

As outlined in the new law, employers have the following rights:

1. If a recruitment agency violated the contract, the employer has the right to refuse to employ a domestic helper brought in by the agency. If this occurs, the recruitment agency must find another domestic helper or refund any money paid.

2. If the domestic helper moves to another job, the employer is not obligated to pay for their return home.

3. Domestic workers must respect the privacy of their employer and refrain from disclosing any secrets.

Duties of recruitment agencies in UAE under the new law:

As part of its efforts to ensure the rights of domestic workers are secured and preserved, MOHRE outlined the responsibilities of recruitment agencies under the new law:

1. It is important to get the domestic helper's health checked 30 days before they are to enter the country.

2. A brief education about UAE culture and social norms for the domestic helper.

3. Assuring domestic helpers have decent housing and living conditions.

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