How does the new UAE law affect employers and employees?

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) released Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 on Thursday, October 5, which relates to domestic employees in the UAE.

The new law was issued on September 9, but it comes into effect on December 15, 2022.

On October 11, MOHRE outlined the key provisions of the new law for UAE domestic workers, employers, and recruitment firms in a number of online posts on their official social media accounts.

MOHRE stated: “The Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2022 regarding domestic helpers aims to guarantee the rights of all parties involved, whether employer, employee, or recruitment agency, and outline their responsibilities towards each other, set clearly in line with the UAE’s prioritization of human rights.”

Additionally, MOHRE emphasized aspects of the law pertaining to working hours, weekly breaks, domestic worker leave, and the right to one paid day off per week.

So, here is everything you need to know to comprehend how the new “Domestic Helper Law” affects domestic workers and employers in the UAE and upholds the rights of all parties concerned.

What are the rights of domestic workers under the new law?

Here are the key points of the new law for domestic employees, according to MOHRE:

1. A weekly compensated one-day break. However, they are entitled to a day in place of their missed day off or financial compensation if they work on their day off.
2. A minimum of 12 hours of rest every day, 8 of which must be uninterrupted.
3. A compensated annual vacation of at least 30 days.
4. The employer will pay for the domestic helper’s round-trip travel once every two years so they can take a holiday in their own nation.
5. The first 15 sick days will be paid in full; the following 15 days will only get half pay.
6. Workers have a right to a copy of their employment agreement.

What are the rights of employers under the new law?

MOHRE summarised the employer rights provided in the new law as follows:

1. If a recruitment agency breached the terms of the contract, the employer has the right to refuse to hire a domestic assistant they provided. In this situation, the hiring company is required to find another domestic helper or refund any fees.
2. If a domestic helper changes jobs, the employer is not required to cover the cost of their return to their country of origin.
3. The domestic helper is required to keep all employer secrets private and to respect that privacy.

What are the duties of recruitment agencies?

The MOHRE clarified a few fundamental provisions of the new law that highlight the responsibilities of recruiting firms in order to guarantee that domestic workers’ rights are upheld and protected in the UAE:

1. Conducting the domestic helper’s required medical examinations at least 30 days before entering the nation.
2. Teaching the domestic helper about the social mores and culture of the UAE.
3. Assuring domestic assistants have suitable housing and living arrangements.

Also Read: Here are five UAE laws to watch out for in 2023