Under the new law, permanent and temporary recruitments of domestic workers require a license from the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Naturalization.
First Published Dec 15, 2022, 12:46 PM IST
Abu Dhabi: The new domestic worker law came into effect in the UAE on December 15. The new law deals with all matters from employment of domestic workers to working conditions and contractual conditions. Provisions to protect workers’ rights are also part of this.
Under the new law, permanent and temporary recruitments of domestic workers require a license from the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Naturalization. Employing a person below the age of 18 years as a domestic worker is strictly prohibited. The employer also has the right not to hire the domestic worker if the recruitment agency violates the terms of the contract.
Domestic workers should not be brought out of their country without clear information about the nature of work, salary and other benefits. Similarly, information about their health status, information about diseases if any, mental status etc. should be made available before employment.
The employment contract should be prepared in the format prescribed by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources – Indigenization. It should explain the terms of employment. The period of recruitment, salary, nature of work etc. should be detailed in the employer agreement itself. The cost of bringing the domestic worker out of the country and the recruitment agency’s fees should be specified in the contract.
If the recruitment agency violates the terms of the contract, it has to replace the worker or refund the money. The employer can also take legal action against the agency for breach of contract and other losses. The law also states that no fee or commission should be taken from the workers directly or indirectly for their employment.
There should be humanitarian intervention from the agencies to protect the workers from exploitation and violence. Adequate accommodation, food and clothing should be provided. They should be given opportunity to work as per contract. And it is the responsibility of the employer to treat the workers respectfully while maintaining their dignity and pride. Salary should be paid according to the contract and following the laws and regulations of the country. And should cover all medical expenses of the domestic worker or provide them with health insurance as required by law.
Workers have the right to keep all their personal identification documents. The Act also provides for the benefits payable to the heirs of the worker in case of his death. In the new law, the conditions to be followed by the worker at the workplace, the termination of the contract and the transfer to another employer are detailed in the new law.
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Last Updated Dec 15, 2022, 12:46 PM IST
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