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If you're considering employing a Domestic Helper in the UAE, here are five important red flags that might come up in the hiring process
18 July 2024
| Last updated on 23 July 2024
Employers and families, keep these in mind!
Avoid legal repercussions by staying away from Domestic Helpers that raise any of these red flags!
1. The Domestic Helper Has Her "Own Visa"
When considering candidates for a potential Maid or Nanny, it's important to clear things early on if she is interested to work with her "own visa".
It is illegal for Domestic Helpers to work with her "own visa" in the UAE. This means that maids seeking employment while on a UAE Residency Visa that is already sponsored by a spouse, family member, or company is not allowed.
To legally work as a Maid or Nanny in the UAE, the Domestic Helper must only be sponsored with a visa directly under her employer/the family she will work for.
2. Offering to Work Part-Time Independently
Another legal red flag is if the Domestic Helper is offering to work part-time hours. The UAE prohibits working part-time jobs as a Maid or Nanny.
Domestic Workers can only be employed full-time either on a live-in basis (the Domestic Helper will live with her employer) or live-out (the maid will manage her own living arrangements).
Can you hire part-time maids through cleaning companies?
The only way you can legally hire part-time maids in the UAE are through licensed cleaning companies, where you must book and schedule a part-time helper on a fixed hourly basis through their official platforms.
SEE ALSO: Part Time Domestic Workers in the UAE - Are You Allowed to Hire Them?
Hiring a maid who is working part-time independently (and not via a licensed cleaning company) is illegal in the emirates. Not only is it potentially risky for your safety, but it may also land you in hot water.
3. Unmarried Men Are Not Allowed to Hire Maids
Unless under specific circumstances, single men in the UAE are prohibited from hiring female Domestic Workers.
If you are an unmarried male UAE resident, it is important to know that it is illegal to directly employ a full-time live-in or live-out maid or nanny. Avoid Domestic Helpers who insist they can work for single men who live alone.
If you a bachelor living independently and require cleaning for your home, we recommend booking a part-time helper through a licensed cleaning company instead.
4. Offering to Work on a "Trial" Basis First
Letting a Domestic Helper work for you on a "trial" period might sound great - after all, won't it allow you to see if they are a right fit for your family?
However, it is illegal in the UAE for maids to work on a "trial basis" before getting hired. Since this is not allowed, we recommend asking Domestic Worker candidates for any references they can provide from previous families or employers.
5. Domestic Helpers on UAE Freelancer Visas
Domestic Workers are not eligible to apply for a UAE Freelance visa.
To avoid potential legal and safety risks, please keep away from maids and nannies who are working with their "own Freelance visa" - if you can, you can also try to report them to the UAE Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MoHRE).
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