Cracking down on Unlicensed Domestic Help in the UAE

There is a surge in domestic law violations. This has resulted in rising enforcement of domestic law for the UAE’s crackdown on Unlicensed Domestic Help. UAE has passed new laws on unlicensed domestic services, its advertisement on social media or on websites. Government of the UAE has taken a bold step, after giving series of warning. UAE government always shows its flexible and supportive side first, while issuing warnings. Once the situation is found uncontrolled then, UAE government takes strict action and often passes the new laws. Therefore, now there has been a firm stand against the domestic hiring of workers without proper and valid approval. The authorization is needed to ensure the safety of employers and employees. Recent headlines states that the UAE Cracks down on Unlicensed Domestic Help, which displays a policy towards ensuring labor laws enforcement. Besides, it also protects the employers and the workers.

This massive crackdown is done to maintain law and order situations. Furthermore, it also reflects fair treatment and proper contracts. It also ensures legal compliance with immigration regulations and labor laws. New legislation only allows the domestic help business to those who are doing through proper channel.

The domestic workers include the housemaids, nannies, gardeners, house cleaners, cooks, chefs at home, drivers, and more.  Their role is limited to households and families. Now the employers or companies, who are interested to hire these service providers, must recruit legally and through recruitment channels to avoid any problems and serious issues. If employers are not familiar with law and legislation, then they can meet with experienced lawyers. For example, Emirati lawyers in Dubai along with legal consultants make it very easier for employers to understand the process and legal compliance. Moreover, the UAE government has taken the matter more seriously. They have established an authorization process to address the matter.

New UAE law about Unlicensed Domestic Help puts serious penalties and punishments. Here is important to understand the legal framework first. surrounding domestic labor for residents.

According to the Federal Law No. 10 of 2017, the domestic workers were granted certain rights. Here is a need for a written contract along with other details like salary payments and decent living conditions. The law elaborates regarding the recruitment process, medical insurance requirements, and about termination procedures.

Any domestic helper or worker who works without a legal and valid work permit or visa. The domestic helpers must be recruited from an authorized source. Those who are hired from an unauthorized source are termed unlicensed.

Additionally, it is s serious breach of labor and immigration laws. It would result in legal action against both the worker and employer.

The UAE government has imposed strict penalties for the illegal hiring of domestic helpers. The substantial fines are imposed range from AED 50,000 to AED 200,000.

It mainly depends on the nature of the violations. However, if the offenders are repeat offenders, in some cases, then these repeat offenders will have to face jail sentence, imprisonment, and even deportation. Our lawyers can provide the details of legal implications online as well. Just book an online session and grab the useful details.

The employers will also face legal actions. They can be blacklisted from sponsoring workers in the future. This could impact the business applications and administrative matters. It also adversely affects the visa renewals and future sponsoring. Employers will have to face very serious consequences. In the UAE, the law is actively being enforced.

There were numerous public warnings, and notices by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization. After that, the enforcement has intensified. They have introduced inspections as a public awareness campaign expediter.

Furthermore, the officials visiting homes, recruitment offices, and border entry points have started. This was done to ensure domestic workers have the valid and legit documentation and approvals. Such initiatives support the initiatives of government’s crackdown on unlicensed domestic labor.

Additionally, MOHRE has launched official statements and advisories warning the residents against illegal hiring. The social media platforms and other informal channels were used to spread awareness.

It is also propagated that these channels/platforms can offer convenience for the short term, but in the long term, they are a source of insecurity and trouble.

The government of the UAE has only permitted the registered recruitment agencies to hire and place domestic workers in the country. They adhere to their strict guidelines. The prime objective is to ensure fair treatment towards workers and also the legal security of the employers.

Furthermore, the government registered recruitment agencies in the UAE are responsible for offering replacement workers to the employers. They also replace the workers if the original hiring feels sick, leaves or is unfit before the contract ends.

Numerous people fall trap of illegal agents or advertisements. This results in legal action later on. It is advised to consult a well-versed Dubai lawyer. He will assist in preventing costly mistakes.

The law punished the illegal hiring of domestic helpers. Moreover, it also combats the exploitation of the workers. The licensed domestic workers are protected according to the law.

They are entitled to receive the medical insurance and regular time off. They must work under safe working conditions and be paid according to the contract.  It offers legal protection to the domestic workers in the UAE.

Any exploitation can result in legal recourse. The mistreatment is illegal and could result in serious penalties. Therefore, legal hiring is essential to protect the best interests of workers. On the other hand, the employers in the UAE should sponsor the domestic helpers via proper channels. This involves the following:

• Medical Screening
• Visa Issuance
• Employment Contracts

In addition, the employers are held responsible to provide accommodation and salary commitment in a timely way. Any failure to fulfill the responsibilities can result in legal action. Seek assistance from diligent attorneys who assist residents during the visa process. They make sure the employers comply with all labor and immigration laws. The licensed lawyers offer comprehensive guidance that helps in avoiding non-compliance.

If you are an employer in Dubai, it is necessary to follow domestic worker laws to avoid penalties. Readers can contact UAE’s top law firm Ask The Law – Al Shaiba Advocates & Legal Consultants for expert legal advice and professional support. Our Law firm provide useful legal advice to clients dealing with such issues. They work closely with licensed domestic workers agencies that assist in the process. The legal agencies offer documentation, valid contracts, medical tests, and background checks of both parties.

Al Shaiba Advocates and Legal Consultants – Ask The Law, is a full service law firm. We provide useful and advanced legal knowledge. We tell people about new federal laws. Our law firm tried the best to throw the light on this topic of unlicensed domestic help. We have a top team of lawyers and legal consultants. Our law firm offers result driven legal services to residents, all over the United Arab Emirates.