UAE Golden Visa holders have the benefit of sponsoring “unlimited number of domestic helpers,” according to the official UAE government portal.
The UAE Golden visa is a long-term residence visa, which allows foreign talents to live, work or study in the UAE.
The 10-year visa offers the holder exclusive benefits, as well. Investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes are among those eligible for the Golden Visa.
Although Golden Visa holders can sponsor many domestic helpers, the UAE introduced a new law that governs the regulation of domestic workers in the nation.
The law came into effect on December 15.
Under the Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022, a set of guidelines is provided concerning the roles of recruitment agencies, employers and domestic workers in the UAE.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) also stressed the importance of employers providing a suitable environment for domestic workers.
In a tweet, the MoHRE clarified the obligations for recruitment agencies, employers and domestic workers.
A domestic worker in the UAE can only be hired if a license is first secured from the MoHRE.
Domestic helpers must be over the age of 18, have the necessary medical examinations and have a formal employment contract.
Violations of the law by employers can result in a fine of up to AED200,000. Recruitment agencies face fines of up to AED10 million for multiple breaches of the law.
Federal Law states the legal requirements for working hours and weekly holidays for domestic workers.
Weekends and a minimum of 12 hours rest per day are mandated as are a minimum 30 days annual leave.
In the event that a domestic worker wishes to spend their annual leave in their home country, the employer must incur the cost of the return ticket once every two years.
In the event that both parties agree to terminate the contract following the domestic worker annual leave, the employer will bear the cost of the return ticket only.
The federal law also states that domestic workers should be allowed to retain official documentation.
In a tweet, the MoHRE clarified the obligations for recruitment agencies, employers and domestic workers. These are some of the obligations highlighted by the MoHRE:
UAE employers’ obligations
- Provide the worker with the requirements for performing the agreed-upon duties, including appropriate accommodation, food and clothing
- Treat the domestic worker properly, preserving their dignity and physical integrity, and pay their salary based on the agreed upon employment contract
- Bear the costs of any medical treatment for the worker, or provide health insurance following the applicable legislation
UAE domestic workers’ obligations
- Workers must perform the work as per the guidance and supervision of the employer and the employment contract and not interrupt work without an acceptable excuse
- Consider the culture and traditions of the UAE society and adhere to public decency and the employer’s instructions in implementing the work agreed upon unless it violates the contract, the law, or public morals or if it exposes them to danger or legal accountability
- Respect the privacy of the workplace, preserve the employer’s property, work tools and everything in their custody.
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