Protecting the Rights and Ensuring the Occupational Safety of Domestic Workers in the UAE
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has issued a clarification regarding the legal framework governing the employment of domestic workers. The Ministry stated that a domestic worker may be allowed to work for the employerโs relatives up to the second degree, provided the worker gives their consent.
The Ministry emphasized that domestic workers are not allowed to work for any party other than the employer or the designated beneficiary stated in the employment contract, except for the aforementioned case.
In the event of the employerโs death, the employment contract is terminated unless the family and the worker agree to continue the employment until the end of the contractโs term.
Additionally, the Ministry affirmed that the executive regulations stipulate several obligations to ensure the care and occupational safety of the worker. These include the requirement for employers and recruitment agencies to inform the worker about the occupational risks associated with the job and the necessary preventive measures.
Employers must provide personal protective equipment, such as clothing, gloves, and shoes, to preserve the workerโs physical and health safety. Employers are also required to take necessary measures to protect workers from occupational hazards and diseases.
The Ministry noted that workers are obligated to comply with occupational safety instructions and security precautions during their work.
Regarding leave entitlements, the Ministry clarified that domestic workers are entitled to a paid annual leave of not less than 30 days for each year of service. If the workerโs period of service is between six months and one year, they are entitled to two days of leave per month of work.
The employer is responsible for covering the round-trip airfare once every two years. If the contract is terminated or not renewed following annual leave, the employer only covers one-way travel expenses.
The Ministry added that the employer has the right to determine the timing of the annual leave, and may split it into two periods if necessary.
In conclusion, the Ministry emphasized that recruitment agencies are legally required to educate domestic workers about the local customs and traditions as part of their legal obligations.
