Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

The UAE has tightened its laws to protect domestic workers’ rights, with the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHRE) setting out stiffer penalties on violators. The new UAE law for domestic workers will come into effect on December 15. It covers housemaids, nannies, cooks, personal drivers and gardeners. According to MOHRE, the “comprehensive legal framework” will ensure that employers follow contractual obligations, work conditions and salary payments. Here are some of the violations and fines under the updated UAE law for domestic workers: Using fake documents or false information to hire domestic workers Penalty: Dh20,000 to Dh100,000 fine and up to 6 months in jail Hiring unlicensed workers for visa purposes Fine: Dh50,000 to Dh200,000 Using work permits for domestic workers for other purposes Fine: Dh50,000 to Dh200,000 Shutting down recruitment agency operations without paying due wages to domestic workers Fine: Dh50,000 to Dh200,000 Employing a domestic worker under the age of 18 Penalty: Fine of up to Dh200,000 Assisting absconding domestic workers for illegal activities Penalty: Fine of up to Dh200,000 Employing a domestic worker without permit Penalty: Dh200,0000 to Dh1 million fine plus up to one year in jail Misusing login credentials for ministry’s online portal Penalty: Dh200,0000 to Dh1 million fine plus up to one year in jail The fines can increase to a maximum of Dh10 million based on the number of illegal workers involved. Repeat offenders will have their penalties doubled. According to MOHRE, “The new law sets a comprehensive legal framework that outlines the obligations of both parties and helps recruitment offices to provide exceptional services that achieve comfort, satisfaction, and happiness for employers and employees alike.” "It also protects the rights of domestic helpers and meets the aspirations of both parties, which contributes to reduced labour disputes and enhances the UAE’s competitiveness,” MOHRE added. The UAE introduced a domestic labour law in 2017 to safeguard workers' rights. Under the law, workers must be given full payment of their salaries within 10 days of the due date. Domestic workers are also entitled to one paid day off each week, and 30 vacation days per day. Domestic workers must also be given 30 days of medical leave, decent accommodation and a round trip ticket to their home country every two years. Employers are not allowed to keep the passport or Emirates ID of their domestic workers. ALSO READ: Rights of UAE domestic workers explained Recruitment companies are also being held accountable. The UAE prohibits them from getting a commission from domestic helpers. Recruiters must make sure that domestic workers are paid fairly, and they must pay for the cost of the airfare of domestic helpers to their home countries at the end of the contract. Recruitment companies are also responsible for providing a substitute helper or refund the amount paid by the employer in case there is an issue with the employment of the current worker. ICA/Expat Media
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