New Visa Rules for UAE Domestic Workers 2023

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced new visa rules for domestic workers in the UAE.
The rules were implemented due to complaints from domestic workers about issues such as duty timings, visa cost, warnings and restrictions, absconding cases, and passport retention by employers.
TADBEER Centers, government offices launched by the ministry, will provide services to domestic workers and their employers.
TADBEER services include facilitating interviews, visa issuance, medical examination, sponsorship transfer, health insurance, training, and transportation from the airport.
Contact numbers will be provided for domestic workers and employers to reach TADBEER offices for assistance or queries.
There are 11 TADBEER Centers currently open across the UAE, with plans to open 14 more by the end of 2018.
Four different visa packages have been introduced for hiring domestic workers from various countries, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Kenya, Nepal, Ethiopia, and Uganda.
The first package allows hiring various domestic worker professions from outside the country, with different visa costs for each nationality.
The second package offers transferable services for a period of 6 months, with set transfer fees based on the worker’s nationality.
The third package is available for those who do not wish to transfer sponsorship and provides fixed salaries based on nationality.
The fourth package allows hiring domestic workers on a part-time or need-based basis, with hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly rates.
The updated price lists aim to control recruitment prices and create competition between management centers.
The new list of professions under domestic helpers includes housemaids, private sailors, watchmen, security guards, household shepherds, family chauffeurs, and more.

Key Takeaway: The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has introduced new visa rules for domestic workers to address complaints and improve working conditions. The rules include the establishment of TADBEER Centers and the introduction of four visa packages catering to different needs. The packages cover various professions and nationalities, with fixed salaries and set recruitment costs. These changes aim to regulate the hiring process and ensure better protection and rights for domestic workers in the UAE.

Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) introduced four distinct hiring packages for domestic workers from countries including the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Kenya, Nepal, Ethiopia, and Uganda.

In order to gauge the opinions and anticipations of UAE expatriates, families, and businesses concerning the prices and expenses associated with hiring domestic workers, the ministry conducted a survey. The majority of respondents expressed their preference for prices ranging from 8,000 AED to 10,000 AED that align with their requirements.

Table of Contents

Package 1

Are you considering hiring domestic workers from specific countries? Package 1 offers you the opportunity to recruit workers from the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Here is a breakdown of the maximum visa costs for one-time recruitment under Package 1.

The initial package offers a range of services to facilitate the hiring of domestic workers, encompassing roles such as cleaners, nannies, babysitters, drivers, gardeners, cooks, and private teachers recruited from abroad.

Philippines: The visa cost for hiring workers from the Philippines is set at 14,000 AED.
Indonesia: For workers from Indonesia, the visa cost amounts to 15,000 AED.
Sri Lanka: Hiring workers from Sri Lanka incurs a visa cost of 15,000 AED.
Ethiopia: The visa cost for hiring workers from Ethiopia is 5,000 AED.
Kenya: For workers from Kenya, the visa cost is 6,500 AED.
Uganda: Hiring workers from Uganda entails a visa cost of 6,500 AED.
India: The visa cost for hiring workers from India is set at 12,000 AED.
Bangladesh: For workers from Bangladesh, the visa cost amounts to 7,000 AED.
Nepal: Hiring workers from Nepal incurs a visa cost of 14,500 AED.

By understanding the visa costs associated with each country, you can make informed decisions when it comes to recruiting domestic workers for your specific needs under Package 1.

Package 2: Transfer Fees and Fixed Salaries for Domestic Workers

Looking to hire domestic workers for a specific period? Package 2 offers convenient options for short-term employment with transferable benefits. Explore the transfer fees and fixed salaries for domestic workers from various countries under Package 2:

Package 3: Fixed Salaries for Domestic Workers

Are you considering Package 3 for hiring domestic workers, where the sponsorship is not transferred? Here are the fixed salaries you can expect for domestic workers from different nationalities under Package 3:

Filipino and Indonesian Workers: Domestic workers from the Philippines and Indonesia will receive a fixed salary of 2,500 AED.
Sri Lankan, Ethiopian, and Ugandan Workers: Sri Lankan, Ethiopian, and Ugandan domestic workers will be paid a monthly salary of 2,300 AED.
Kenyan, Indian, Bangladeshi, and Nepali Workers: Domestic workers from Kenya, India, Bangladesh, and Nepal can expect a fixed salary of 2,250 AED per month.

When opting for Package 3, the sponsorship remains unchanged, and the fixed salaries offered to domestic workers ensure fair compensation based on their nationality. Make an informed decision based on these fixed salary amounts for a smooth employment experience.

Package 4: Part-Time Services and Salaries for Domestic Workers

Looking for flexible and part-time domestic services? Package 4 offers a range of options to meet your needs. Let’s explore the features and salaries associated with Package 4:

1. Hourly Rates:

Package 4 allows clients, including local families, residents, and businesses, to hire domestic workers on an hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly basis. This option is ideal for those with specific requirements or busy schedules. For instance, if you need a maid for only 2 or 3 days, Package 4 is the way to go.

2. Salaries for Package 4 Domestic Workers:

In Package 4, salaries are set at standard rates to ensure fairness and consistency. Here are the salary rates based on different work durations:

4 Hours of Work: Domestic workers who work for 4 hours will receive a salary of 120 AED.
8 Hours of Work: For a full 8-hour workday, the salary will be 200 AED.
1 Week (7 days): If you require services for an entire week, the salary will amount to 1,120 AED.
1 Month (30 days): For a month-long arrangement, the salary will be 3,500 AED.

These standard salary rates ensure transparency and provide a fair compensation structure for domestic workers hired under Package 4. Whether you need part-time assistance or have fluctuating requirements, Package 4 offers the flexibility you need.

How many Professions are coming under Domestic Workers?

The new list of professions under the domestic helpers or domestic workers include are: (only for households, not companies)
1: Housemaids
2: Private sailor
3: Watchman and security guard
4: Household shepherd
5: Family chauffeur
6: Household horse groomer
7: Household falcon carer
8: Trainer
9: Housekeeper
10: Private coach
11: Private teacher
12: Babysitter
13: Household farmer
14: Private nurse
15: Private PRO
16: Private agriculture engineer
17: Private Teacher
18: Drivers