Under the new law on domestic helpers that is set to come into effect on December 15, employers are prohibited from hiring household workers —unless they are licensed to do so, the authorities clarified in a statement on Tuesday.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) said on Tuesday that the new law prohibits the recruitment or temporary employment of domestic helpers without a license.
To safeguard the welfare of domestic workers, licensed recruitment agents and offices will have to follow strict rules.
From helpers to recruiters and employers, the new law lays down all rights and responsibilities of all parties involved in the employment of household workers in the UAE.
The UAE continues to establish a legislative framework that safeguards domestic helpers, in line with its mission to establish the country as a preferred global destination for living and working.
Responsibilities of recruiters
It is illegal for recruiters to accept commissions from domestic helpers - either for obtaining work or incurring expenses.
In order to ensure that helpers receive the correct wages, agents must also provide a booklet that contains their wages.
In the decree, recruitment agents are also required to treat domestic helpers humanely, prevent violence against them, and inform them of the authorities to contact if their rights are violated.
In accordance with the government's decisions, employers must cover the costs of returning domestic helpers to their home countries and provide a substitute helper or refund the amount paid by the employer.
Obligations of employers
On the other hand, employers must provide workers with suitable living accommodations, meals, and appropriate clothing if they are employed full-time and not on a temporary basis.
A helper should also not be asked to work for others or in a profession other than that described in their work permit.
As part of its commitment to enforcing laws, decisions, and legislation regulating the recruitment and employment of domestic helpers in line with international best practices during the contractual period, the ministry intends to build on the UAE’s success in supporting domestic helpers.
Additionally, the employer must pay wages according to helpers' contracts and cover medical costs.
Further, he or she may not make the domestic helper work for others unless it is stipulated in the decree-law and Mohre's decisions.
Upon death, the domestic helper's heirs receive the wage for the month in which the domestic helper died, along with any other entitlements.