Your Guide to Hiring a Maid in Abu Dhabi

For a live-in maid, it’s imperative that you sponsor their domestic worker visa (employment visa in other words). It should be displayed in their passport whenever they are entering or exiting the country. You will have to apply for the visa from the Abu Dhabi Naturalisation and Residency Department (02 4462244). There is a fee of AED 5,000 a year to the immigration office; and you will need to prove that your monthly income, after the cost of accommodation, is not less than AED 6,500.

There will be a service charge of between AED 3,500 and AED 5,300 if you are selecting a maid through an agency, along with the cost of the air ticket. You will need a residence form filled in Arabic, except for your name which must be in English and Arabic, a letter of No Objection from your sponsor, four passport photos, a copy of your passport and your maid’s passport. You will also need to apply for a labour card for your maid and a medical certificate, which includes health insurance and medical treatments. This costs around AED 600.

It is necessary to send your maid home every two years and provide the cost of the flight and incidental expenses, including food. Also note that, according to a rule made four years ago, a maid from your own country of origin will not be provided. This system is in place to ensure there are no discrepancies caused by bringing in individuals on sponsored visas; for example, sponsoring a relative who wishes to work in the UAE illegally.
 
Part-Time Maids
Check the credentials of maid services advertised online. Employing a maid through a reputable company on a part-time basis means you won’t have to fall afoul of any new government laws that you aren’t aware of. Prices range from AED 20 to AED 70 per hour. All maid services are required to renew their trade licences every year.