Hiring Domestic Staff in Dubai: What Every Family Should Know

The rules matter as much as the person

Part of my work is helping families build their household team: housekeepers, nannies, drivers, cooks. The most common problem I see isn't finding the right person. It's families not knowing the rules, and discovering them later when something goes wrong.

Domestic workers in the UAE are covered by Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022. These are the points that matter most.

Hire through the proper channel

Use a licensed recruitment agency or a Tadbeer centre. The contract is written and registered with MOHRE, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. Don't rely on verbal agreements. They protect nobody.

Minimum age is 18

The law does not allow anyone under 18 to be employed as a domestic worker.

Probation of up to 6 months

You can agree a probation period of up to six months. That's the right time to see if the person fits your household.

Rest time and days off

Your staff are entitled to at least 12 hours of rest per day, including 8 continuous hours, plus one paid day off per week. For live-in staff, plan the house schedule around this from day one, not after the first complaint.

Leave

• 30 days of paid annual leave per year
• Up to 30 days of sick leave per year: the first 15 days on full pay, the next 15 on half pay (after probation)

Salary

Pay on time, every month. The law requires it within 10 days of the due date. Bank transfer is better than cash because both sides have a record.

Health insurance

The employer has to provide health insurance for the whole employment period.

Never keep their passport

Staff have the legal right to keep their own passport and ID. Holding documents “for safekeeping” is not allowed.

End of service

Domestic workers are entitled to end-of-service gratuity after completing their service. Check the current calculation with MOHRE or your Tadbeer centre when the time comes.

A well-run household starts with a fair, clear arrangement. When staff know their rights are respected, they stay longer, and that stability is worth more than anything else in a home.