Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has reiterated its commitment to protecting the welfare of domestic workers in the country by reaffirming mandatory daily rest periods and comprehensive worker protection protocols. Under the Ministry’s guidelines, domestic workers must be given at least 12 hours of daily rest, eight hours of which must be continuous. Household workers must also have one day off per week. The Ministry emphasized that breaks for meals, short rests, or idle time cannot be considered part of the daily working hours. The announcement was made as MoHRE addressed rising concerns over the treatment of domestic workers and the enforcement of their legal rights regarding working hours and rest days.

Weekly day off: what the law says

MoHRE clarified that while employers may ask domestic workers to work on their scheduled weekly day off, specific conditions must be met. In such cases, the employer must either: • Provide a substitute rest day, or • Offer financial compensation equal to one day’s wage. However, a worker must not be required to work more than one rest day in any two-week period, unless a mutual agreement is reached between both parties.

Worker safety measures

The Ministry also emphasized the employer’s role in ensuring a safe and healthy work environment. Employers and recruitment agencies are required to: • Inform domestic workers of potential occupational hazards. • Provide clear safety instructions and training. • Equip workers with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, uniforms, and footwear. Domestic workers are expected to comply with safety guidelines and use the provided equipment responsibly. The Ministry warned that intentional damage or misuse of safety gear is prohibited. MoHRE reiterated that these rules form part of the UAE's overarching legal framework that aims to preserve the dignity, wellbeing, and rights of domestic workers while also fostering a respectful work environment across UAE households.

How to file a labour case

MoHRE highlighted the three main channels available for workers who need to file complaints against their employer for malpractices or maltreatments. The first option is to contact the Labour Claims and Advisory Center by calling the toll-free number 80084. Employees can speak directly with legal advisors who can provide guidance on how to proceed with their cases. Workers may also file complaints through the MoHRE mobile application. After logging in, they can access the complaint section via the Services menu. For those who prefer to use a desktop, the third option allows them to file a complaint through MOHRE’s official website. The process can be completed through an online form, which offers step-by-step instructions for submitting details about the complaint. This proactive measure by MOHRE is part of a broader initiative to protect employee rights in the UAE’s private sector and ensure transparency in addressing labour-related issues. ICA/Expat Media
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