UAE's new domestic worker law comes into force Thursday

A new law aimed at strengthening the rights of domestic workers in the UAE will come into force on Thursday.

Taking to their official social media handle, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation reiterated that the Domestic Helper Law will safeguard the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved - the helpers, the recruiters and the employers.

The law prohibits the recruitment of domestic workers under the age of 18 years and will determine the guidelines for working hours, daily breaks, sick leave and annual leave for domestic workers. It also affirms the right of domestic workers to a paid day-off per week. 

The Federal Decree-Law No. (9) of 2022 on domestic workers will come into force as of December 15, 2022.
The decree-law establishes a comprehensive framework to strengthen and regulate labour relations for domestic workers' recruitment and employment in the UAE pic.twitter.com/3jsvp1PQmY

— وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) December 14, 2022

The law also outlines the responsibilities of the employers, directing them to provide appropriate accommodation, meals and health care. Employers must ensure domestic helps with a work permit are hired, and must treat them with respect.

Failure to meet these rules will lead to huge penalities, from AED 200,000 and AED 1 million, and even jail term.