How To Get Maid Visa In Dubai UAE

If you are a UAE local or expatriate living in Dubai and looking to hire a maid, housekeeper, or nanny, understanding the ins and outs of the domestic worker visa is essential. This crucial document allows you to legally sponsor and bring in household help, ensuring compliance with UAE immigration laws and providing much-needed support in your daily life.

In this How To Get Maid Visa In Dubai UAE guide, we will take you through the details of the United Arab Emirates domestic worker visa system, explaining the process, requirements, and benefits it offers to both employers and employees. Get ready to navigate the path toward hiring domestic help with confidence and clarity!

I. Who are Domestic workers and what are their rules according to UAE law? 

A. Domestic Workers in Dubai:

In the United Arab Emirates, the majority of maids are migrant workers who relocate from various countries to seek employment opportunities in the country’s domestic labour market.  The  UAE government has introduced laws to protect the rights of maids in Dubai including providing a labour contract that outlines the terms of their employment, minimum wage, and rest periods. Employers who violate these laws can face fines or legal action. There are 19 job categories that are considered to fall under the domestic worker employment scope, which includes:

1. Housemaid/Servant
2. Sailor
3. Guard
4. Shepherd
5. Jockey
6. Tamer
7. Falcon care-taker
8. Worker
9. Housekeeper
10. Cook
11. Nanny/babysitter
12. Farm worker/grower
13. Gardener
14. Personal trainer/coach
15. Private tutor
16. Home nurse
17. Personal assistant
18. Private agricultural engineer
19. Personal/family driver.

B. Regulations on the employment of household staff

The employment of domestic workers is regulated by the UAE Domestic Labour Law, Concerning Household Employees, which prohibits certain practices. These include:

1. Employing individuals under the age of 18.
2. Discriminating against household employees based on their race, colour, gender, religion, or nationality.
3. Subjecting household employees to sexual harassment, whether through verbal or physical means.
4. Engaging in forced labour or trafficking of household employees.
5. Exposing household employees to physical harm.
6. Assigning household employees tasks that are not covered under the employment contract.

C. Rights of the Domestic and Household Workers

Under the Decree Law, domestic workers have the right to:

1. Receive payment of their wages within 10 days of the due date, as per the standard contract
2. Have one day of paid rest per week
3. Enjoy a minimum of 12 hours of rest per day, including 8 hours of consecutive rest
4. Take 30 days of paid annual leave
5. Be provided with a round-trip ticket home every 2 years
6. Take up to 30 days of sick leave per year
7. Keep possession of their personal identification papers such as passports, IDs, etc.

D. Employer’s obligations to sponsor a maid:

Employers are required to comply with the provisions outlined in the employment contract, along with various other obligations, including the provision:

• Necessary resources and facilities to enable workers to effectively carry out their duties.
• Suitable accommodation arrangements, if applicable.
• Meals and appropriate clothing, as required for the job.
• Prompt payment of remuneration within the agreed-upon timeframes.
• Provision of medical care or health insurance coverage.
• Ensuring a respectful and safe work environment.
• Compensation for work-related injuries and occupational diseases.

E. Employees’ Duties for Employers:

The household staff is expected to fulfil the responsibilities outlined in their  contracts, along with the following obligations:

1. Carry out their assigned tasks under the supervision of the employer and in accordance with the terms stated in the employment contract.
2. Maintain a high level of care and diligence while performing their duties, ensuring quality work.
3. Avoid being absent from work without a valid reason, demonstrating commitment and punctuality.
4. Respect and adhere to the customs and traditions of the local community in the United Arab Emirates.
5. Follow the employer’s instructions regarding the completion of the agreed-upon work.
6. Take care of and properly maintain any items entrusted to them or dispose of them according to the necessary safekeeping procedures.
7. Respect the privacy of the workplace and maintain confidentiality.
8. Keep work tools and items inside the workplace and in their designated locations at all times.
9. Provide necessary aid and assistance in case of emergencies, disasters, or hazards that may threaten the workplace and its occupants.

These obligations are important for establishing a professional and respectful working relationship between domestic workers and their employers.

II. Documents required to sponsor a maid visa in Dubai

To sponsor a maid or nanny in the UAE, the sponsor needs to submit the following documents:

• Completed Visa Application Form: The sponsor should obtain and fill out the application form from an authorized typing office.
• Affidavit of Non-Relationship (if applicable): If the maid is from the same country as the sponsor, an affidavit from the embassy or consulate stating that there is no family relationship between the sponsor and the maid may be required.
• Passport and Visa Copies: Copies of the sponsor’s and maid’s passports and valid visas should be provided.
• Passport Photos: Recent passport-sized photographs of both the sponsor and the maid will be needed.
• Bank Statements: The sponsor should provide their bank statements for the past three months to demonstrate financial stability.
• Sponsor’s Labor Contract: A copy of the sponsor’s labour contract or employment contract should be included.
• Sponsor’s Health Insurance Card: A copy of the sponsor’s health insurance card is required.
• Tenancy Contract: A copy of the sponsor’s tenancy contract for a minimum two-bedroom unit should be submitted as proof of accommodation.
• Salary Certificate: The sponsor’s salary certificate from their employer should be included.
• Maid’s Medical Fitness Certificate: Housemaids should provide a medical fitness certificate from their home country.

III. How to apply for a domestic maid visa?

A. Domestic worker’s services centres:

If you’re looking to bring domestic help such as sponsoring your maid or nanny, or housekeeper in Dubai or anywhere in the United Arab Emirates, you will need to obtain the necessary visa. There are different types of visas for domestic workers, such as a maid or worker visa, and Tadbeer Domestic Service is a one-stop service centre that can assist you with a step-by-step guide to the entire visa process.

To sponsor a domestic worker, you will need to fulfil certain requirements, such as meeting the minimum salary and submitting the required documents. The sponsor must also sign a contract and pay a refundable deposit of around AED 2,000. The worker must have a valid entry permit before entering the UAE.

Tadbeer Domestic Workers is a public-private partnership with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation that can help you navigate the visa application process step-by-step. They offer government typing services for entry permits, new visas, residency visas, and other documents required for domestic workers’ employment visas. Tadbeer also offers employment and placement services under the MOU signed by the government for the recruitment and deployment of domestic and household workers.

The cost of obtaining a work visa for hiring a maid or nanny can depend on the type of work and the maid’s monthly income. The UAE has a minimum average wage for domestic workers under the MOHRE employment contract, and workers are entitled to annual vacation and other rights and obligations as per the UAE domestic labour law.

List of some MOHRE-Approved Domestic Worker’s Services Centers

1. Tadbeer Centre: It is located at Umm Al Sheif Metro (Exit 2) off the Sheikh Zayed Road, and its visa service includes door-to-door biometric services for your convenience. They follow the guidelines and regulations specified by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, and other government authorities.
2. Maids.cc: With over 8,000 employees, Maids. cc holds the distinction of being the 12th largest employer in the UAE. It is the sole maid company listed among the top government-endorsed companies, showcasing its commitment to providing reliable domestic worker services.
3. Housekeeping Domestic Worker Services: HousekeepingCo offers a comprehensive range of services for the recruitment and employment of domestic labour workers, all in line with their distinct visual identity. They provide integrated solutions, ensuring a seamless process from recruitment to employment while maintaining their unique brand identity.

B. Requirement for Domestic Service Centers

The recruitment office is obligated to fulfil several responsibilities towards domestic workers, according to the rules for service centres. These obligations include:

• Providing Clear Information: The recruitment office must provide comprehensive details about the nature of the work, wages, and job requirements to the housemaid.
• Ensuring Worker Fitness: It is the responsibility of the recruitment office to verify the physical, psychological, and professional fitness of the workers. This includes conducting mandatory medical examinations within 30 days before their entry into the UAE.
• Cultural Orientation: Service centres should educate workers about the customs and traditions of UAE society to facilitate their integration.
• Adequate Temporary Accommodation: The recruitment office is obligated to provide suitable temporary accommodation that is adequately equipped.
• Respectful Treatment: The recruitment office should treat household workers with respect and dignity throughout the process.
• Rights Awareness: The recruitment office must inform the domestic helper about their rights and guide them towards proper channels if their rights or freedoms are violated.
• Wage Documentation: The office should provide the employer with the necessary documentation proving payment of wages.
• Prohibition of Fees: The recruitment office is prohibited from demanding or receiving any commission or financial reward from the workers for their employment in the UAE.

In case of violations, the Decree Law mandates remedies such as providing an alternative worker, refunding recruitment fees, and compensating for damages resulting from contract breaches.

C. Process to Hire a Domestic Worker in the UAE

To hire a maid or nanny in Dubai and obtain an employment permit to enter the country, you can follow these general steps:

1. Visit Tadbeer Service Centres: In the UAE, you can visit Tadbeer Service Centres, which are government-run centres that facilitate the hiring and management of housemaid visas.
2. Submit Relevant Documents: Prepare and submit the necessary documents for the maid’s employment permit. These documents may include your Emirates ID, passport copies, employment contract, proof of accommodation, and other required paperwork. It’s advisable to check the specific requirements with Tadbeer or the relevant authorities.
3. Pay the Fee: Pay the required fee for the maid’s employment permit. The fee may vary depending on the duration of the permit and other factors.
4. Obtain a Visa with Insurance: Once the employment permit is approved, you can proceed to apply for a visa for the maid. This can be done through the relevant immigration authorities or through Tadbeer Service Centres. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of health insurance coverage for the maid, as per UAE regulations.

IV. How much does it cost for a visa service for a domestic helper in Dubai?

In Dubai, the expenses related to hiring a household staff member can vary based on several factors, such as the type of employment authorization, the worker’s nationality, and their location (whether they are already in the UAE or outside the country). Here are some of the different types of costs associated with employing a staff member:

• Application fee: This fee covers the administrative charges for processing the employment permit application. The amount can differ depending on the specific type of authorization and the nationality of the individual.
• Medical examination fee: To ensure the staff member’s fitness for employment, they are required to undergo a medical examination. The cost of the medical test can vary depending on the chosen healthcare provider.
• Emirates ID fee: A staff member will need to obtain an Emirates ID, which serves as their official identification card in the UAE. The expenses for obtaining an Emirates ID can vary based on the type of application and the processing time.
• Insurance fee: Employers are obligated to provide medical insurance coverage for their staff members. The cost of the insurance will depend on factors such as the chosen insurance policy and the extent of coverage.
• Recruitment agency fee: If the staff member is recruited through a registered agency, the agency may charge a fee for their recruitment services.
• Sponsorship fee: The employer is responsible for sponsoring the staff member’s employment authorization. The sponsorship fee can vary based on the specific type of authorization and the nationality of the worker.

It’s important to note that the precise costs and fees associated with hiring household staff can differ, and it is advisable to consult the relevant authorities or service providers to obtain accurate and up-to-date information regarding the expenses involved. It is important for employers to budget for these costs to ensure that they are in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations

Common Questions and Answers to Sponsor a Visa for Domestic Workers

How Much Does It Cost to Get A Maid Visa in Dubai?

The cost to obtain a maid visa in Dubai can vary depending on the agency you use and the process you follow. Generally, the cost can be anywhere from AED 4,000-7,000 (around $1,090-$1,900 USD). This includes the fees for the residency visa, medical check-ups, and other related expenses. It’s important to note that if you use an agency, they may charge additional fees for their services. Additionally, there may be other requirements such as a security deposit for the maid that can add to the overall cost.

Can You Sponsor A Nanny From Another Country To Dubai?

Yes, it is possible to sponsor a nanny from another country to work in Dubai. However, there are certain requirements that need to be fulfilled such as obtaining an entry permit and a residence visa. The sponsor will also need to provide accommodation, food, and other basic necessities for the employed nanny. While the process may seem daunting, there are several agencies and consultants who can assist in obtaining the necessary paperwork and ensuring compliance with UAE laws and regulations.

How To Contact Tadbeer?

TADBEER can be contacted through various channels including their toll-free number, email, and customer support centres located across the United Arab Emirates. One can simply call their toll-free number,  for inquiries and assistance. Alternatively, one can send an email to [email protected] for general inquiries, feedback, or complaints. TADBEER also has multiple customer service centres located in the different emirates of the UAE where clients can visit in person to inquire about TADBEER services and solutions.

Conclusion for a domestic worker, nanny, or housemaid visa in Dubai 

In conclusion, the employment of household staff plays a crucial role in regulating the hiring process and ensuring their rights in the UAE. These employment regulations enable residents to legally hire individuals for domestic duties, such as maids and nannies while establishing clear guidelines and regulations.

By requiring specific documentation and adherence to relevant laws, these regulations aim to prevent exploitation, discrimination, and abuse. They contribute to creating a framework for fair employment practices, promoting the well-being and dignity of household staff, and fostering a harmonious and mutually beneficial relationship between employers and household staff.