UAE Implements New Law Safeguarding Domestic Workers' Rights

The UAE announced the implementation of a new domestic labor law aimed at upholding workers' rights with effect from Dec. 15.

The new legislation is the latest step taken by the government to counter illegal recruiters and abusive employers while strengthening existing regulations protecting employees across the Emirates.

According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization, the legislation involves a comprehensive legal framework that would govern employers and recruiters. It will also ensure that employers are able to meet their contractual obligations to employees in terms of wages, accommodation, and medical treatment. The new legislation will educate workers about their rights and also make them aware of the channels they can turn to for help in case of a contract breach.

At the same time, the law increases the number of offenses punishable by fines/imprisonment from four to eight. The new penalties include fines between Dh 20,000 and Dh 100,000 and up to six months in prison for employers that present falsified documents to hire domestic helpers; and a fine of Dh 50,000 to Dh 200,000 for those who employ unlicensed workers, recruit staff but do not provide a job, or use permits for domestic workers for illegal matters.

Those who close recruitment agency operations without settling the wages they owe to domestic workers, as well as those who hire workers under the age of 18 and exploit them in illegal activities, will also be fined.

Furthermore, the new law imposes penalties between Dh 200,000 and Dh 1,000,000 on recruiters and employers who hire workers without a permit and misuse their login credentials for the ministry's online portal. Fines related to hiring unlicensed workers have also been increased to a maximum of Dh 10 million based on the number of workers, while penalties for repeat offenders have been doubled.

The ministry issued a statement Thursday, reiterating its commitment to safeguarding the rights of domestic workers across the Emirates. "The ministry is keen on building on the UAE's achievements in supporting domestic helpers by committing to its role in overseeing the enforcing of laws, decisions, and legislation that would regulate recruitment and employment of domestic helpers in line with international best practices during the contractual period," the statement read.