What are the rights of domestic workers in Dubai?

 Domestic workers in Dubai are an essential part of many households, providing valuable services such as cleaning, cooking, and childcare. As labour lawyer in Dubai would attest, these workers are entitled to specific rights and protections under the UAE's labor laws. In recent years, the UAE government has implemented new laws to enhance the rights of domestic workers, addressing several long-standing concerns in this sector.

According to the labor lawyers in Dubai, Federal Law No. 10 of 2017, also known as the Domestic Workers Law, has significantly improved the legal framework for domestic workers in Dubai. The law defines domestic workers as any individuals employed in a household, such as maids, nannies, cooks, gardeners, and drivers.

The Domestic Workers Law grants several rights and protections to domestic workers in Dubai, which labor lawyers in Dubai can help ensure are upheld. Some of these key rights include:

1. Employment Contract: Domestic workers have the right to a written employment contract in their native language, which clearly states their job description, salary, and other terms of employment. This contract must be signed by both the worker and the employer.

2. Working Hours: Domestic workers are entitled to work no more than 12 hours per day, with at least one hour of rest for every five consecutive hours of work. They are also entitled to a minimum of eight hours of uninterrupted rest each night.

3. Weekly Rest: Domestic workers are entitled to one full day of rest per week. The employer and worker may agree on the day of rest, but if they cannot agree, the employer will determine the rest day.

4. Paid Annual Leave: Domestic workers have the right to 30 days of paid annual leave. Employers must provide domestic workers with a return ticket to their home country once every two years.

5. End of Service Benefits: Domestic workers who have completed at least one year of continuous service with the same employer are entitled to end-of-service benefits equivalent to 14 days of wages for each year of service.

6. Medical Care: Employers are responsible for providing domestic workers with medical care, including health insurance coverage.

7. Wage Protection: Domestic workers are entitled to receive their wages on a monthly basis, and employers must provide a payslip to confirm payment. Employers are prohibited from deducting wages without the worker's consent, except in specific circumstances outlined by the law.

Despite these legal protections, domestic workers may still face challenges in asserting their rights. Labor lawyers in Dubai can assist domestic workers in navigating the complexities of the UAE's labor laws and ensuring that their rights are respected. By working with a labor lawyer, domestic workers in Dubai can better understand their rights and seek the appropriate legal recourse if necessary.