If you have a full-time nanny, maid, or cook, it’s crucial to make sure you respect all of their legal requirements. If you don’t, you can end up in legal trouble.
The Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022, which ensures the protection of both employees and employers’ rights, went into effect on December 15, 2022. It relates to domestic workers’ rights and recruiting in the UAE. After the law was passed, the government also passed Cabinet Resolution No. 106 of 2022, which lists 10 offenses for which an employer of a domestic worker might be penalized.
The following is a list of the violations and the associated punishments as determined by Cabinet Resolution:
- Filing a false or fabricated complaint of an absconding domestic worker can cost you Dh5,000 for each domestic worker.
- Providing false documentation or information to get a benefit or service: For each scenario, the amount must be between Dh1,000 and Dh10,000.
- Failure to follow all other applicable laws in the nation as well as the occupational health and safety requirements and procedures outlined in Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022, its executive regulations, and implementing ministerial decisions: For each scenario, the amount must be between Dh1,000 and Dh10,000.
- Hiring a domestic worker without securing a work permit for them, neglecting to hire a domestic worker for whom a work permit has been obtained, or allowing the worker to work for others without following the rules and determining their legal status: Dh5,000 for each domestic worker hired illegally.
- Proof that the domestic worker’s wages were not paid in compliance with Ministry rules and deadlines: For each domestic worker, not less than Dh500 and not more than Dh5,000.
- Dh20,000 for each instance of domestic worker assault or harassment by the employer or a member of his family.
- If the employer fails to provide the domestic worker with adequate housing, food, and clothing to carry out his or her duties, or if the domestic worker is employed without the worker’s consent in a job that is unrelated to the nature of their work, the employer shall pay the domestic worker a sum of not less than AED 1,000 and not more than AED 10,000.
- If the employer does not provide the appropriate compensation for work-related injuries and occupational diseases in accordance with the rules of Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 regarding the regulation of labor relations, treatment in line with the country’s applicable health system or: For each case, not less than Dh500 and not more than Dh5,000.
- Withholding the identification documents of the domestic workers costs Dh500 for each domestic worker.
- Each domestic worker will be charged Dh100 for failing to register in the Wages Protection System in compliance with the Ministry’s criteria.
Also Read: What is the annual leave policy under the new UAE law for domestic workers?