⚖️Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 on Domestic Workers became effective on 15 December 2022. It establishes minimum rights and employer obligations for all domestic workers in the UAE.
Who Is Covered?
The law covers all workers employed in a private household, including:
Mandatory MOHRE Contract
All domestic workers must have a written employment contract registered with MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation). The contract must specify: job title, salary, working hours, rest periods, accommodation and food arrangements, and annual leave. Contracts are registered through Tadbeer centres or MOHRE's digital platform.
Working Hours & Rest
- Maximum daily hours: 9 hours per day with a 1-hour rest break
- Weekly rest day: at least 1 day off per week (Friday by default)
- Annual leave: 30 days paid annual leave per year (after 1 year of service)
- Sick leave: 30 days per year (first 15 days full pay, next 15 at half pay)
- Return ticket: employer must provide an annual return ticket to home country
Medical Insurance (Mandatory)
Employers are legally required to provide medical insurance for domestic workers at their own expense. In Dubai, this falls under the DHA (Dubai Health Authority) insurance scheme. In Abu Dhabi, under DOHC (Department of Health Abu Dhabi). Failure to provide valid medical insurance blocks visa renewal and can result in MOHRE penalties.
End-of-Service Gratuity
Domestic workers are entitled to end-of-service gratuity after completing one year of continuous service:
1–5 years service: 14 days of last salary per year of service
5+ years service: 21 days of last salary per year of service
ManzilZen's gratuity calculator (available on the Essential plan) computes the accrued amount automatically.
Document Compliance Obligations
Employers are responsible for keeping the following documents valid and renewed on time:
| Document | Fine / Consequence |
|---|---|
| Residence Visa | AED 50/day — no cap |
| Emirates ID | AED 20/day — max AED 1,000 |
| Medical Insurance | Blocks visa renewal + fines |
| Medical Fitness | Blocks visa renewal |
| Passport | No daily fine (renewal blocked) |
Stay compliant with UAE law
ManzilZen tracks all documents and alerts you before fines start.
See also: UAE Maid Visa Fine Calculator · Domestic Worker Fines Guide · Maid Visa Guide