UAE Domestic Workers Law 2026: Complete Guide to Rights, Visa Process, Salaries & Employer Responsibilities

Every household in the UAE that employs a maid, nanny, driver, cook, or caregiver must comply with the UAE Domestic Workers Law. Understanding these legal requirements is essential, as non-compliance can result in fines, employment disputes, and even deportation-related issues.

The UAE Domestic Workers Law, introduced under Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 and updated by Cabinet Resolution No. 21 of 2023, provides a comprehensive legal framework for employing domestic workers in the UAE. As of 2026, the law covers key areas such as salary regulations, weekly rest days, end-of-service benefits, resignation rights, and the mandatory registration of employment contracts with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

Whether you are an employer sponsoring a domestic worker from India, the Philippines, or another country, a domestic helper looking to understand your employment rights, or a family planning to hire a maid, driver, nanny, or caregiver, this guide explains the UAE Domestic Workers Law 2026 in a clear and easy-to-understand manner.

Planning to sponsor a domestic worker in the UAE? Apply through Fly UAE Visa for expert visa processing, MoHRE contract assistance, and dedicated customer support throughout the application process.

What Is the UAE Domestic Workers Law and Who Does It Cover?

The UAE Domestic Workers Law provides legal protection for domestic workers employed in private households across the UAE. Under the law, 19 categories of household staff are officially recognized and covered by its employment regulations.

These include:

• Housemaids and housekeepers
• Nannies and babysitters
• Cooks and private chefs
• Drivers and chauffeurs
• Gardeners and farmers
• Private nurses and caregivers
• Security guards
• Personal assistants and butlers
• Private tutors and trainers

All 19 categories of domestic workers are protected under the UAE Domestic Workers Law, regardless of their nationality or employment contract. This means every employer hiring workers in any of these roles must comply with the legal requirements, employment regulations, and worker protection provisions set out by the law.

UAE Domestic Worker Salary 2026: Monthly Pay, Nationality-Based Salary & Employer Benefits

How Much Should You Pay a Domestic Worker in the UAE?

The UAE Domestic Workers Law does not specify a government-mandated minimum salary for domestic workers. However, market standards and MoHRE guidelines provide clear salary expectations based on the worker's nationality and experience.

In 2026, domestic worker salaries in the UAE continue to show an upward trend. Employers are encouraged to offer competitive salaries to attract and retain qualified workers while reducing the risk of employment disputes with MoHRE.

Additional Benefits Employers Must Provide

In addition to the monthly salary, the UAE Domestic Workers Law requires employers to provide the following benefits:

• Free accommodation and meals
• Round-trip airfare every two years
• Medical insurance coverage
• End-of-service gratuity upon completion of the employment contract

UAE Domestic Worker Rights: Legal Entitlements for Maids and Household Helpers

The UAE Domestic Workers Law protects the rights of domestic workers and ensures fair working conditions for everyone employed in private households. Employers must comply with these legal requirements throughout the employment period.

Working Hours and Weekly Rest

Under the UAE Domestic Workers Law, domestic workers are entitled to:

• A maximum of 12 working hours per day, including breaks
• At least 8 consecutive hours of daily rest
• One full day off each week. Friday is the standard weekly rest day, although both the employer and the worker may mutually agree on a different day.

Annual Leave and Sick Leave

Domestic workers are legally entitled to the following leave benefits:

• 30 days of paid annual leave after completing one year of continuous service
• 30 days of sick leave per year, with the first 15 days fully paid and the remaining 15 days unpaid

Protection Against Abuse and Harassment

The UAE Domestic Workers Law strictly prohibits all forms of verbal, physical, and sexual abuse. Domestic workers have the right to report violations by filing a complaint directly through the MoHRE helpline (800-60) or the MoHRE mobile app, without requiring permission from their employer.

UAE Domestic Worker Contract: Download, Register & Verify with MoHRE

What Is the UAE Domestic Worker Contract?

Under the UAE Domestic Workers Law, every domestic worker must have a written employment contract using the MoHRE Unified Standard Employment Contract. This contract is mandatory, and verbal agreements are not legally recognized.

How to Download the MoHRE Domestic Worker Contract

To download the MoHRE Domestic Worker Contract PDF, follow these steps:

1. Visit the MoHRE website.

2. Go to Services → Domestic Worker Services.

3. Select Standard Contract Download.

4. Fill in the employer's and worker's details.

5. Submit the contract for MoHRE registration and approval.

Important: Both the employer and the domestic worker must sign the employment contract. The contract must be registered with MoHRE before the worker begins employment.

How to Verify a UAE Domestic Worker Contract

Once the contract has been registered, you can verify its status through the MoHRE portal using the employer's file number. Employers should always ensure that the employment contract is correctly registered before the domestic worker starts work, as unregistered contracts may result in penalties and fines.

Can a Domestic Worker Resign in the UAE? Rules and Employee Rights

Can a Housemaid Resign After 6 Months in the UAE?

Yes. Under the UAE Domestic Workers Law, a domestic worker can resign after completing six months of service by providing 30 days' written notice to the employer.

However, the following conditions apply:

• Resigning without a valid reason before completing the employment contract may result in the loss of end-of-service gratuity.
• Employers cannot legally prevent a domestic worker from resigning.
• Domestic workers who resign due to employer abuse, mistreatment, or non-payment of wages have the right to leave immediately without serving the notice period and may file a complaint with MoHRE.

What Happens If an Employer Refuses to Accept a Resignation?

If an employer refuses to accept a domestic worker's resignation, the worker can file a formal complaint with MoHRE. The ministry will first attempt to resolve the dispute through mediation. If no agreement is reached, the case may be referred to the labour court for further legal action.

If your case involves immigration or employment-related consequences, it is also advisable to review the UAE immigration ban guide, as certain resignation disputes may lead to travel restrictions if they are not handled correctly.

End-of-Service Gratuity for Domestic Workers in the UAE (2026)

Do Housemaids Get End-of-Service Gratuity in Dubai?

Yes. Under the UAE Domestic Workers Law, eligible domestic workers are entitled to end-of-service gratuity upon completing their employment, subject to the terms and conditions of the law.

Who Is Not Eligible for End-of-Service Gratuity?

The following workers are generally not entitled to end-of-service gratuity:

• Domestic workers who resign before completing one year of service
• Workers whose employment is terminated due to serious misconduct
• Workers who abandon their employment without providing the required notice

Hiring Domestic Workers in the UAE: Visa Process and Age Requirements

What Is the Age Limit for a Domestic Worker Visa in the UAE?

Under the UAE Domestic Workers Law, the minimum age for obtaining a domestic worker visa is 21 years. Employing anyone under the age of 18 is strictly prohibited and may result in significant penalties under UAE labour regulations.

How to Sponsor a Domestic Worker Visa in the UAE

To sponsor a domestic worker in the UAE, follow these steps:

1. Apply for an entry permit through the MoHRE employer portal.
2. Ensure the worker completes the required medical fitness test upon arrival.
3. Apply for the UAE residence visa, which is generally valid for two years.
4. Register the MoHRE Unified Standard Employment Contract.
5. Enrol the worker in the Wage Protection System (WPS) for salary payments.
6. Provide medical insurance, which is mandatory from the first day of employment.

Can I Sponsor a Maid from India to Dubai?

Yes. Indian domestic workers are among the most commonly sponsored nationalities in the UAE. Employers must complete the sponsorship process through MoHRE or an authorized Tadbeer Centre. Hiring domestic workers outside the official legal process is prohibited and may lead to legal penalties, including deportation-related consequences for both the employer and the worker.

New UAE Domestic Workers Law 2026: Latest Updates and Key Changes

What Is the New UAE Domestic Workers Law in 2026?

The UAE Domestic Workers Law, introduced under Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 and updated in 2023, continues to regulate the employment of domestic workers across the UAE in 2026. The law establishes clear rights and responsibilities for both employers and domestic workers.

Key provisions include:

• MoHRE employment contracts are mandatory — verbal agreements are not legally recognized.
• Salaries must be paid through the Wage Protection System (WPS) — cash payments are not accepted.
• One full weekly rest day is a mandatory legal entitlement for every domestic worker.
• Medical insurance must be provided by the employer from the beginning of employment.
• Employing workers under the age of 18 is strictly prohibited.
• Employers who violate the UAE Domestic Workers Law may face fines of up to AED 100,000, depending on the nature of the violation.

Source: Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). Employers and workers should always refer to the latest official guidelines available on the MoHRE website for any updates to the law.

Risks of Illegal Hiring and Unverified Recruitment Agencies

Hiring domestic workers through unlicensed agents or unauthorized recruitment agencies can expose both employers and workers to serious legal and financial consequences.

Some of the common risks include:

• Fake visas and fraudulent employment contracts - always verify the authenticity of the visa and employment documents.
• Financial fraud and inflated recruitment fees.
• MoHRE fines of up to AED 100,000 for employers who violate the law.
• Deportation of workers employed through illegal or unauthorized channels.

To avoid these risks, always hire domestic workers through MoHRE-authorized Tadbeer Centres or verified recruitment agencies. If a UAE domestic worker visa is rejected during the sponsorship process, there is an official appeal and reapplication process that can be followed.

Conclusion

The UAE Domestic Workers Law 2026 provides a clear legal framework for hiring and employing domestic workers across the UAE. Whether you are sponsoring a maid, nanny, driver, cook, or caregiver, it is essential to follow the MoHRE employment contract process, pay salaries through the Wage Protection System (WPS), provide all mandatory benefits, and comply with the legal responsibilities outlined in the law.

Employers who follow the UAE Domestic Workers Law can build stable and long-term employment relationships, while domestic workers benefit from legal protection, fair working conditions, and clearly defined employment rights.

Note: This information is based on the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) guidelines applicable in 2026. As regulations may change, always verify the latest official updates on the MoHRE website before hiring or sponsoring a domestic worker.

Planning to sponsor a domestic worker in the UAE? Apply through Fly UAE Visa for professional visa processing, MoHRE contract assistance, and end-to-end support to help ensure compliance with UAE regulations.