uae domestic workers law 2026 - rights, visa rules, salaries & hiring guide
26-Sep-2025

UAE Domestic Workers Law 2026: Rights, Visa Process, Salaries, and Employer Obligations

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Domestic workers form a vital part of UAE households, assisting with childcare, cleaning, cooking, elderly care, and more. To ensure fairness and dignity, the UAE government has introduced strong legislation—Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2022, updated by Decree No. 21 of 2023—that regulates the hiring, treatment, and entitlements of domestic workers.
This guide explains everything you need to know in 2026 about UAE domestic labour law, contracts, visas, salaries, and employer responsibilities.

Overview of UAE Domestic Labour Law 2026

The UAE’s domestic workers law establishes clear rules for employment. It is enforced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) to guarantee transparency and protect both employers and employees.

Key Highlights:

  • All contracts must follow the Unified Standard Employment Contract issued by MoHRE.

  • Domestic workers must be paid on time via the Wage Protection System (WPS).

  • Workers are entitled to weekly rest, annual leave, and medical insurance.

  • Employers must provide safe accommodation, respect, and dignity.

Categories of Domestic Workers in the UAE (19 Roles Covered)

The law officially recognizes 19 categories of domestic workers, including:

  • Housemaids and housekeepers

  • Nannies and babysitters

  • Cooks and private chefs

  • Drivers and chauffeurs

  • Gardeners and farmers

  • Private tutors and teachers

  • Security guards

  • Private nurses and caregivers

  • Personal assistants and butlers

  • Trainers, sailors, and more

These roles cover all typical household support positions in UAE families.

Rights and Entitlements of Domestic Workers in UAE

Standard Employment Contract

All workers must have a written contract outlining salary, working hours, duties, and benefits.

Working Hours, Rest, and Weekly Day Off

  • Maximum 12 hours per day including breaks.

  • At least 8 consecutive hours of rest per day.

  • 1 full day off per week.

Annual Leave and Sick Leave

  • 30 days of paid annual leave after 1 year of service.

  • 30 days sick leave per year (first 15 days paid).

Accommodation and Living Standards

Employers must provide safe housing, meals, and suitable working conditions.

Salary Payments via WPS

Wages must be paid electronically each month to avoid disputes.

Healthcare and Insurance Coverage

Medical insurance is mandatory, covering hospital and emergency care.

Protection from Abuse and Harassment

The law strictly prohibits verbal, physical, or sexual abuse. Workers can file complaints through MoHRE.

Dispute Resolution Mechanisms

MoHRE offers mediation and labor courts for resolving conflicts.

Salaries and Benefits for Domestic Workers in UAE 2026

Average Maid Salary in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Salaries range from AED 1,500 – AED 3,000 per month, depending on experience and nationality.

Salary by Nationality

  • Filipina maid: AED 2,000–2,500

  • Indian maid: AED 1,800–2,200

  • African maid: AED 1,500–2,000

Food, Accommodation, and Return Airfare

Employers must cover:

  • Free accommodation & meals

  • Round-trip airfare every 2 years

End-of-Service Gratuity & Benefits

Domestic workers are entitled to end-of-service benefits equal to 14–21 days’ salary per year of service, depending on tenure.

Hiring Domestic Workers in UAE: Step-by-Step Process

Tadbeer Centers and Authorized Recruitment Offices

Since 2018, only Tadbeer service centers and licensed offices can recruit domestic workers.

Sponsoring a Domestic Worker (Visa & Entry Permit)

Employers must apply for an entry permit, then process the residency visa through MoHRE.

Medical Examination and Residency Visa

Workers undergo a medical fitness test before receiving residency.

Drafting and Verifying Contracts

Contracts must be submitted for MoHRE verification.

Obligations of Employers and Workers

  • Employers: Pay wages, provide housing, ensure safety.

  • Workers: Perform duties, respect contract terms, maintain professionalism.

Common Obligations of Domestic Workers in UAE

  • Respect employer’s family and privacy.

  • Follow agreed working hours and duties.

  • Avoid leaving employment without proper notice.

  • Maintain honesty and good conduct.

Risks of Illegal Hiring or Unverified Agencies

Hiring through unlicensed agents can lead to:

  • Fake visas or contracts

  • Financial fraud and higher costs

  • Penalties and legal consequences for employers

Always use MoHRE-authorized Tadbeer centers to avoid risks.

How to Stay Compliant as an Employer in 2026

  • Register contracts with MoHRE

  • Pay salaries on time via WPS

  • Provide annual leave and airfare

  • Renew visas before expiry

  • Treat domestic workers with dignity and respect

Conclusion: Building a Fair and Legal Relationship

The UAE domestic workers law ensures fairness for both households and workers. By following legal procedures—through MoHRE, Tadbeer centers, and verified contracts—employers can enjoy trustworthy, long-term support, while workers receive protection, respect, and benefits.

👉 Planning to sponsor a domestic worker in 2026? Start your application with UAE Visa Online today for a smooth and hassle-free process.

Frequently Asked Questions

MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization) is the hiring agency for public and government sectors. It works to hire people for domestic work in our country. 

The UAE Domestic Labour Law 2026 covers all aspects of employing domestic workers, including:

  • Employment contracts (unified standard contract issued by MoHRE)

  • Working hours, weekly rest, and annual leave

  • Salary payments through the Wage Protection System (WPS)

  • Healthcare, insurance, and safe accommodation

  • End-of-service benefits and gratuity

  • Protection from abuse, harassment, or unfair dismissal
    This framework ensures both employers and domestic workers maintain a fair, transparent, and legal relationship.

There is no minimum salary for gardeners and any other domestic workers. The salary depends on experience, education, and labour law.

Tadbeer centers in UAE provide government-approved recruitment and management services for domestic workers. Their packages typically include:

  • Direct hiring (full-time, live-in)

  • Part-time services (hourly, daily, or monthly)

  • Replacement guarantee in case of disputes or contract issues

  • Visa processing, medical tests, and insurance for workers
    These packages ensure that both employers and domestic workers are fully protected under UAE law.

No, you cannot legally employ a maid who is on her own or another sponsor’s visa. All domestic workers must be sponsored either by the family (employer) or via a licensed Tadbeer recruitment center. Employing someone on a tourist, visit, or personal visa is illegal and can result in heavy fines and deportation.

No. According to UAE domestic labour law, hiring domestic workers under 18 years old is strictly prohibited. The law ensures young individuals are protected from exploitation and enforces strict penalties on those attempting to hire underage workers. Always hire through MoHRE-approved agencies to ensure compliance.

Domestic workers are not eligible for gratuity if they:

  • Resign before completing one year of service

  • Are terminated due to serious misconduct (as defined under UAE labour law)

  • Fail to follow proper resignation notice periods
    For those eligible, gratuity is calculated as 14–21 days of basic wage per year of service and must be paid upon contract termination.

Yes. Under UAE domestic labour law, a domestic worker may terminate her contract by giving proper notice (usually 30 days) and following legal procedures. If the employer breaches the contract (e.g., delayed salary, abuse, or unsafe working conditions), the worker has the right to end the contract immediately and file a complaint with MoHRE.

The updated UAE domestic workers law (Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022, amended in 2023) continues to apply in 2026. It strengthens worker protections by:

  • Making MoHRE contracts mandatory

  • Requiring salary payments via WPS

  • Guaranteeing one weekly rest day

  • Ensuring paid annual leave and sick leave

  • Mandating health insurance and return airfare every two years

  • Prohibiting the hiring of workers under 18 years of age
    These updates align with international labour standards and ensure a balanced relationship between employers and domestic staff.

Labour rights in the UAE include fair wages, safe working conditions, and protection from exploitation. For domestic workers, this specifically covers:

  • Timely payment of salaries via WPS

  • Weekly rest day and regulated working hours

  • 30 days of annual leave after one year of service

  • Medical insurance provided by the employer

  • End-of-service benefits after contract completion
    These rights ensure dignity and fairness in the workplace.

Yes, a housemaid in the UAE can resign after six months, provided she gives 30 days’ written notice and follows the contract terms. However, if she resigns without valid reason before completing her contract, she may lose certain benefits, such as end-of-service gratuity or airfare. Employers must also respect her right to resign legally without retaliation.

Choosing between full-time live-in help and part-time domestic workers depends on your household needs:

  • Full-time/live-in maids are ideal for families needing daily childcare, cooking, and cleaning.

  • Part-time domestic workers (hired through Tadbeer centers) suit smaller households that require help only a few hours per day.
    Legally, both options must be arranged through licensed recruitment agencies or Tadbeer centers to ensure compliance with UAE law.

Article 77 of the UAE Labor Law addresses the termination of employment contracts. It stipulates that either party (employer or employee) can terminate an unlimited-term contract by providing notice, with the notice period varying depending on the circumstances and the party initiating the termination.

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