In the UAE, domestic worker agencies will not be permitted to operate unless they meet certain conditions stipulated in the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) regulations.
On Tuesday, March 1, the MOHRE issued a decision titled “Ministerial Decision No. 92 of 2022 regulating the licensing and regulation of domestic workers agencies.” Resolution No. 33 of 2021 (the new UAE labor law) implements the Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021.
Therefore, if you plan on hiring a housekeeper or nanny, you should be aware of the new rules agencies are required to follow, as well as your responsibilities as an employer.
Recruitment agencies: requirements
The Minister of Human Resources must approve a license for a domestic worker recruitment agency. If they meet the required conditions, they are granted a license for one year after paying the set fee:
- As an alternative to the bank guarantee, domestic worker placement offices must provide a bank guarantee or insurance.
- If the applicant owns an establishment or a group of partners, they must present a credit report proving their financial status.
- Other branches of recruitment agencies may also be opened in other Emirates, provided they meet the licensing requirements of the local Emirate and provide a clear address for the branch.
- The agencies must provide adequate housing and subsistence to domestic workers. The agency must fulfill all the obligations specified by law towards domestic workers if the worker has a temporary employment contract.
The responsibilities of residents
The MoHRE outlined the following obligations for residents hiring domestic helpers:
Meeting all health and safety requirements for domestic workers.
No worker should be assigned to any task or service outside the general scope of their agreement.
- Domestic workers cannot work for more than the total number of hours agreed upon with the agency.
The employer must inform the MoHRE and the recruitment agency in case of any work injury or accident.
Domestic Workers’ Wage Protection System
The MoHRE introduced Wages Protection System (WPS) for domestic workers on Wednesday, March 2. WPS keeps a database of wage payments, ensuring that employees’ salaries are paid on time in the UAE.
By using WPS, employers can pay wages to domestic workers through banks, exchange offices, and other financial institutions authorized by the UAE Central Bank.
All MOHRE-registered institutions across all sectors and industries are covered by WPS, which is aimed at benefiting employees in various categories.
In the UAE, how to hire a maid or nanny
If you are considering hiring a maid or nanny, be sure to deal with a licensed company, which sends maids on an hourly basis.
As per the UAE law, residents who hire illegal maids face a fine of up to Dh50,000 if they do not sponsor the maids themselves or hire recruiters to do so. Depending on the case, offenders may also face deportation.
Do not hire domestic workers via social media
Need a helping hand around the house? It is better and safer to hire a nanny or housekeeper from an approved recruitment agency rather than from social media.