Contracts and recruitment
Domestic workers must be employed through official channels: through MOHRE, a licensed Tadbeer centre or a licensed recruitment agency, with a written contract registered with the authorities. Recruitment fees may not be charged to the worker.
Rest and leave
- A paid weekly day off
- Daily rest of at least 12 hours, including at least 8 consecutive hours
- 30 days of paid annual leave each year
- Sick leave according to the law and the contract
Documents
Employers may not keep a helper's passport, Emirates ID or other personal documents. The documents belong to the helper.
Living and working conditions
Employers provide suitable accommodation for live-in helpers, meals or a food allowance as agreed, and health insurance as required in their emirate.
At the end of employment
Helpers who complete at least one year of continuous service are entitled to an end-of-service gratuity. Check the current calculation with MOHRE.
Where to get official advice
This guide is general information, not legal advice, and rules can change. For your own situation, check the MOHRE website (mohre.gov.ae) or ask a licensed Tadbeer centre.