Maids and domestic helpers are an indispensable part of the family for most households in Dubai. From managing domestic chores to taking care of the children, they perform every task dutifully. That is probably why the demand for domestic workers is on the rise in the city. However, to hire any type of domestic household worker, you need to know the rules to sponsor a maid and secure a maid visa in Dubai from the relevant authorities. It is indeed a big obligation and may involve a decent investment of funds.
Benefits of hiring a maid in Dubai, UAE
There are many reasons to consider employing a maid or nanny in Dubai
- Affordable option – The UAE allows households to hire nannies or maids from other countries. Hiring one directly from Dubai can be a costly affair considering the local wage rates. However, finding a maid from a country where the minimum wage is low would be value for money.
- Build a trusting relationship – Having a maid would be more like having a family member in the house. Children, especially toddlers, can form a close bond with them.
- More focus on other works – Having a maid at home can give working people, with a full-time job, more time to focus on their profession and career. They won’t have to worry about coming to a messy home or cooking a meal after a long day.
- Multi-skilled domestic help – Maids are multi-taskers. They can cook, clean, and look after the children. This makes it a more convenient alternative for working individuals.
- Employment creation – Domestic helpers have families of their own to provide for. That is why there is a rising demand for employment from this community. Getting hired as a maid or nanny in Dubai can fulfill all their family responsibilities.
- Legal – It is legal to hire domestic workers in Dubai if you have completed the visa formalities and paperwork properly. Hiring a maid on a casual basis or paying on a cash-in-hand basis can land you in hot water.
MoHRE’s Law for Hiring Maids in Dubai
Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022, implemented on December 15, 2022, defines the rules on the hiring of domestic workers in the UAE. The new decree-law states that domestic workers can be hired in the UAE only after securing a maid license from the MoHRE. To obtain this license, the workers must be over the age of 18, possess a formal employment contract, and have undergone the necessary medical examinations.
Eligibility Criteria for Maid Visa in Dubai
There is specific requirements for maid visa in Dubai that need to be fulfilled by the maid and the employer. When an employer applies for a maid visa in Dubai, the authority evaluates several factors related to the financial stability, creditworthiness, and residence of the applicant. For instance,
- The sponsor or the employer must hold a valid UAE residence visa, such as a Green Visa or Business Visa. However, they must ensure that their residence permit is valid till the sponsorship period.
- The sponsor must meet a minimum monthly income threshold to meet the eligibility requirements for maid visa in Dubai. Therefore, they must provide proof of finance showing their financial capability to hire a maid.
- In addition to the proof of finances, the sponsor must also present proof of financial stability confirming that they have full-time employment with any government agency or a reputed private firm. Businesspeople can provide their financial statements for the last three to six months.
- The sponsor must provide appropriate accommodation for the maid, such as a separate room for the maid in their house. In such a scenario, the employer must have at least two bedrooms at their owned or leased residence.
Additionally, the maids or domestic workers are also required to fulfill specific requirements for a maid visa in Dubai –
- The MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) signed by the UAE with the governments of a few countries stipulates that the maids can be hired only from one of those countries.
- The Government-to-Government (G2G) agreements with the Dubai authorities also specify the minimum salary of the maid in the UAE. Nevertheless, the salary threshold may vary depending on their nationality.
- The maid or domestic workers’ age must comply with the G2G agreements.
Many factors including work experience, expertise, skills, communication, language, and education determine the actual wage of the maids or nannies. Similarly, market conditions can also affect the wage rate. For updated market rates and information on the monthly income threshold for sponsors, contact Shuraa Business Setup.
Procedure to bring the maid to Dubai
The process starts with checking the employer’s eligibility to hire a maid or homeworker and bring them to the UAE. Once confirmed, look for methods to bring them to the country. You can either initiate the process by yourself or seek a specialized agency like Shuraa for more convenience. Shuraa offers different packages, hence, you can choose the one that suits your requirements and budget.
The process of applying for a maid visa in Dubai is like applying for your own visa. For instance, obtaining an entry permit, undertaking a medical examination, and then submitting the essential documents.
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The documents required for a maid visa include the following:-
- Visa application form.
- Passport of the employer and the maid.
- Residence visa and Emirates ID of the employer
- An affidavit from the embassy or consulate of non-relationship (if the maid is from the same country)
- The Medical Fitness Certificate of the maid, issued in her home country
- Bank statement of the sponsor (for the past three months)
- Proof of accommodation or a tenancy contract
- Certificate of sponsorship/labor contract in Arabic
- A labor contract from the employer of the sponsor
It is important to note that all these documents must be attested and approved by an authorized typing center before submission.
Employer’s obligation towards the domestic workers
Employers are required to comply with the UAE’s rules and regulations regarding hiring a domestic helper. Their employment contract must include the following obligations towards the house help:-
- The required facilities for the housemaid to perform his/her duties effectively
- Suitable accommodation
- Meals and clothing
- Fixed remuneration
- Medical care or health insurance
- Respect and safety
- Compensation for occupational injuries and diseases
On the other hand, the obligations of domestic workers towards their employer and occupation include the following:-
- Perform their tasks in compliance with the provisions of the employment contract and under the supervision of the employer
- Maintain a high level of excellence and quality in their work
- Avoid absenteeism without a valid reason
- Respect the culture of the UAE
- Comply with the instructions given by the employer regarding the agreed work
- Follow the necessary safekeeping procedures for the items in their possession
- Respect the privacy of the workplace
- Keep work tools/items inside the workplace and in their designated places
- Provide necessary aid and assistance during unprecedented events that can threaten the workplace and its inhabitants.
Get your Maid Visa in Dubai with Shuraa
Hiring a maid, nanny, or any kind of domestic worker is a big decision. You need to consider several things before coming to an agreement. For example, can you afford to pay for their salary and visa? Are you comfortable having a stranger around your house?
Nonetheless, if you decide to give it a shot, there are certain steps and requirements that you need to follow. Shuraa Business Setup is committed to providing end-to-end professional assistance to complete the maid visa application process smoothly as well as accurately.
