Guide

Top 10 Most Affordable Budget Airlines in the UAE For Your Next Trip

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Pictured: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at a UAE Cabinet meeting.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed Ranks 3 Best & Worst UAE Government Departments

There's a 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

You Can Now Enjoy Breakfast With Penguins in Dubai

Confirmed: 2025 Will Be The 'Year of Community' in The UAE

Classifieds

Jobs

How to Get a UAE Influencer License: Step-By-Step Guide & Requirements

Dubai Announces Pilot Launch of 4-Day Work Week For Employees

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

How to Claim UAE Job Loss Insurance: Eligibility and Step-by-Step Guide

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

Can I Get Fired in the UAE For My Mental Health Condition?

Dubai Dedicates AED 150 Million Government Support Fund For Influencers

How to Deal With Workplace Harassment in the UAE

The UAE's New End-of-Service Programme, Explained for Residents

Events

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

When Is the Next UAE Public Holiday? Eid Al Adha 2025 Dates Revealed

Real Madrid World is Celebrating World Football Day With AED 199 Tickets

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

Eid Al Fitr 2025 in the UAE: When is the Long Weekend?

Ramadan 2025 in Dubai: List of Ramadan Markets to Explore

Where to Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 in Dubai

An Enchanting Regency-Era Evening Awaits at Dubai's Bridgerton Candlelight Concert

Education

Back-to-School, Reimagined: How UAE Families Are Choosing a Smarter Start to the School Year

Embark on a Summer Adventure at Kids First Group Universe!

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

Dubai IB School's Class of 2025 Secures Over $10 Million in University Scholarships

Experience Summer Learning at its Best with MDX Study Camps at Middlesex University Dubai

Introducing the Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School Dubai

Where to Choose the Best EYFS Children's Nursery in Dubai Marina

Nurturing Compassionate Leaders: 8 Ways Dibber Preschools Prepares Your Child

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

Money

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

UAE Unveils New Official Dirham Symbol, Inspired By the Country's Flag

6 Financial Resolutions to Make for the New Year

Meet Dr. Hassan Elhais: A Pillar of Legal Expertise for Expats in the UAE

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

UAE Residents Be Wary of Food Delivery Scams

5 Signs You've Been Scammed Over the Phone, and What to Do Next

UAE Job Loss Insurance Claim Rejected? Here's Why It Could Happen

Home

Are "Own Visa" and Freelancer Visa Domestic Workers Legal in the UAE?

Hiring a Maid in the UAE: 5 Legal Red Flags

Ask a UAE Flower Shop: Your Most Common Questions, Answered

FYI Dubai is Banning All Single Use Bags From June 1

Carrefour's 'Choose Better' Programme is Here to Reward Healthier Choices With 10x the Points

Are UAE Domestic Helpers Allowed to Work on a Trial Period and Hired After?

Pet Breeding in the UAE: Is it Allowed and Where to Find Legal Pet Breeders

Choithrams Announces Launch of All-Women Operated Store in the UAE

Where to Order Same-Day Valentine's Day Flowers in the UAE

Car

These Are Dubai's New Public Parking Fees From April 2025

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Dubai Public Commute Timings & Road Closures for New Year's Eve

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

What Are the Requirements For a Car Loan in Dubai?

UAE Petrol Prices Will Increase in August 2024

Head's Up! Dubai Taxi Fares Will Increase in May 2024

UAE Announces New Fuel Prices For May 2024

Missing UAE License Plates: How to Report a Lost Plate or Reclaim Yours

Wellness

Win Cash Prizes Up to AED 300 For Every Kilo Lost With UAE's Weight Loss Challenge

9 Warning Signs for Breast Cancer

Top Tips to Have a Healthy Heart in the UAE

Discover "The New You" at Zieda's Aesthetic Clinic in Dubai

Top Ladies-Only Gyms and Fitness Centres in Dubai

Say Goodbye to Wrinkles With Mediclinic's Botox Mondays Offer

Get Expert Healthcare and Wellness Delivered to Your Doorstep in Dubai Within 30 Minutes

Top 7 Scenic UAE Jogging and Running Routes

IVF in the UAE: Unmarried Non-Muslim Couples Are Allowed to Undergo IVF

Shop

Shopping In Dubai

Best Online Shopping Sites in Dubai and UAE

An A-Z Guide to Dubai's Popular Malls

What To Wear At The Beach In Dubai

14 Hilarious Realities of Visiting Dubai Mall

Every Day is a Discount Day on THIS Deals Site

Cityland Mall Preview: Dubai's New Nature-Inspired Shopping Mall

EWmums

EWfood

ewmoda

Can maids cancel contracts?

54

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 03 July 2011 - 18:43

Help please!

Our maid wants to go home after only 4 months of work. It is not clear is she wants a holiday or to cancel her contract.

We meet all our obligations, treat her very well and she has nothing to complain about. She is just homesick. I was planning on giving her a holiday after 1 year, but I cant give a holiday, or cancel the contract and lose all the money I've paid on visas, etc, on her own terms?

Can she cancel the contract single-sidedly? I mean, even *I* am not able to do that with my employer.

Log in to post new content in the forum.

54

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 09 July 2011 - 16:46

Hi all, just an update of the situation. It turns out that the agency told my maid the contract is only for 3 months. Of course, this is only the warranty period for replacement, not her contract to work with us! This "misunderstanding" has caused a lot of problems between us and the maid. Please beware of Al Fattah Manpower agency in Sharjah. We have also had problems during the 3 months trial period - see my other thread "Homesick maid wants a holiday - not sure if genuine!"

587

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 04 July 2011 - 17:42

HR:) The OP's situation is exactly why I am reluctant to sponsor a maid (being that this will be my first time) so an live-in maid through an agency or your situation, is my preference.

438

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 04 July 2011 - 17:35

Thank you for clarifying that. I am thinking of a similar option, just need to find a nursery that does FS1 and caters for 7 month olds, oh and a job! :) good luck with all of those :) just be prepared that not all take kids under 1 or even 1,5 years. I found mine and not moving from there ever :D he he.... what type of job if you don't mind?

587

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 04 July 2011 - 17:30

Thank you for clarifying that. I am thinking of a similar option, just need to find a nursery that does FS1 and caters for 7 month olds, oh and a job!

438

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 04 July 2011 - 17:07

Agree with tootsie. Even if you have the money to spend, does this mean that you should? NO. This is why I don't like maid sponsoring and use a company + daycare for my LO. He is much happier there and if we don't like the maid we can replace with no extra cost. In the long run I am saving money this way. I don't like too that there are certain nationalities that you can chose from. We first wanted a different nationality and after going to 3-4 places and talking to some nice people there (government) we decided to follow their advice and get a company. Sorry to hijack, but what do you mean by using a 'company'? Do you mean a live-in maid through an agency or sponsoring a maid on a company visa? Many thanks. No, not live-in, just 2 times a week for the cleaning, etc. My LO goes to daycare, so I don't need her to be with him. He is happier there as he gets to play with kids and I am happy as everybody speaks English :) Sorry, but this is important for a small child and both of us with my husband work, so cant really check her all the time. But when we took the contract with DubaiMaid they offered live-in made on their visa. You employ her as full-time house help and can chose to give her accommodation. I am not sure though if this is still legal, but it was ok in 2010.

587

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 04 July 2011 - 16:59

Agree with tootsie. Even if you have the money to spend, does this mean that you should? NO. This is why I don't like maid sponsoring and use a company + daycare for my LO. He is much happier there and if we don't like the maid we can replace with no extra cost. In the long run I am saving money this way. I don't like too that there are certain nationalities that you can chose from. We first wanted a different nationality and after going to 3-4 places and talking to some nice people there (government) we decided to follow their advice and get a company. Sorry to hijack, but what do you mean by using a 'company'? Do you mean a live-in maid through an agency or sponsoring a maid on a company visa? Many thanks.

54

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 July 2011 - 16:56

True... also, the maids actually earn decent incomes, at least compared to what they can get back home. My maid doesn't spend on anything as we cover ALL her expenses, so although her salary looks small compared to ours, her full salary = pure savings. I know many people in the UAE and UK who definitely do not save as much! lol Oh well.. I will talk to her and simply say she cannot leave after only 4 months. She's been very good in general but does get home sick and have mood swings, I hope this is just one of those. Sometimes it feels like I need to hire someone to manage my maid. lol edited by Lucy111 on 04/07/2011 <em>edited by Lucy111 on 04/07/2011</em>

438

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 04 July 2011 - 16:31

Agree with tootsie. Even if you have the money to spend, does this mean that you should? NO. This is why I don't like maid sponsoring and use a company + daycare for my LO. He is much happier there and if we don't like the maid we can replace with no extra cost. In the long run I am saving money this way. I don't like too that there are certain nationalities that you can chose from. We first wanted a different nationality and after going to 3-4 places and talking to some nice people there (government) we decided to follow their advice and get a company.

62

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 July 2011 - 16:18

It really p's me off that as sponsors we can be expected to fork out all the money & the maids can then basically do what they want. It is all well & good saying you'll loose all the money you've spent as a years investment in a short 4 months.....maybe for some that money is harder to come by than others, or for sure not maybe. Personally, I think it's shocking and about time the Government introduce new laws to protect sponsors as well as maids!!

438

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 04 July 2011 - 14:09

Well, you can say no, but she can decide not to work and then you will have to fire her and then you will have to pay everything. I know that from this year it is easier to get a maid from other then the recommended nationalities :) This is nice. I think it is a good idea to talk with the agency that have used regarding this issue. Do you have a contract with them? If you do, there should be a guarantee for the worker you are taking for at least 6 months. Other than that I don't think there are more changes. The employment contract has been reduced to 2 years, but in your case this is not applicable as she is only 4 months with you. In general in case of any legal disagreements the contract signed by both parties is valid and the labor law. If you like the lady you can try and reach an agreement with her - this will be the best way, but not always works. Sorry, I am not much help, but I am afraid this type of issues are never easy.

54

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 04 July 2011 - 13:27

First of all, thank you all for sharing your knowledge and experience! I just checked on the contract (this is the standard given by immigration in March 2011), there is a clause that says: "the 2nd party (the maid) will undertake all travel expenses to home country, if the contract has been terminated by the 2nd party" Reading this, I am under the impression that she *can* cancel the contract provided she pays her travel expenses to go back home. Her travel ticket to Srilanka only costs less than AED 1000 whilst I have paid over AED 12000 for visa, agency, medical etc for the whole year - plus we have an agreement, and I have met all my obligations, so in my view, this will be extremely unfair! Nothing else about her cancelling mentioned in the contract... mpp_jl, purple, fairycakeyumm - I wonder if anything has changed recently on the labour law/ conditions, etc for domestic workers? I read in the newspaper a few weeks back that they are getting more rights. I just want to be sure that when I say no to her going on holiday or cancelling her contract, legally this is fine... Thanks again!

438

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 04 July 2011 - 12:41

No, she can't. As her employer you need to sign her release. Only in the case of none payment of wages for more than 3 months the employee can cancel the contract without the permission of the employer. Also as the standard probation time is 6 months, if the employee decides to leave before completion of these 6 months, all visa cost, sick days, etc. needs to be deducted from the employee final settlement. If you hired her locally you do not need to pay her the ticket home also. Well, this is according to the law, but you may not apply some of the rules if you want when it benefits the maid - this is legal. If you hired her from her country, than you need to pay for her return ticket. Hope this is helpful. Have in mind that she may go home and decide not to come back, so do not pay anything in advance - if she goes on leave now that will be unpaid leave as she has not completed 6 months. Sorry but you have to provide a ticket home wether she was employed here or home country, if she has obsconded they can keep the deposit to pay for her ticket when she turns up. Or if on AD visa as u dont pay the deposit we had to give 2k to them. This is was happened to us a few months ago. The only way you would get away with it is if u cancel her visa then transfer her to someone else, but the op said she wanted to go home. edited by fairycakeyumm on 04/07/2011 No problem :) My info is from the end of last year and they are changing everything all the time, so if have done this just a couple of months back then the ticket is there. Before for Dubai it was different if the maid is employed locally or from overseas. Even the submission of the documents for the visa in the first place was different for each case.

fairycakeyumm21878

2239

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 04 July 2011 - 12:29

No, she can't. As her employer you need to sign her release. Only in the case of none payment of wages for more than 3 months the employee can cancel the contract without the permission of the employer. Also as the standard probation time is 6 months, if the employee decides to leave before completion of these 6 months, all visa cost, sick days, etc. needs to be deducted from the employee final settlement. If you hired her locally you do not need to pay her the ticket home also. Well, this is according to the law, but you may not apply some of the rules if you want when it benefits the maid - this is legal. If you hired her from her country, than you need to pay for her return ticket. Hope this is helpful. Have in mind that she may go home and decide not to come back, so do not pay anything in advance - if she goes on leave now that will be unpaid leave as she has not completed 6 months. Sorry but you have to provide a ticket home wether she was employed here or home country, if she has obsconded they can keep the deposit to pay for her ticket when she turns up. Or if on AD visa as u dont pay the deposit we had to give 2k to them. This is was happened to us a few months ago. The only way you would get away with it is if u cancel her visa then transfer her to someone else, but the op said she wanted to go home. <em>edited by fairycakeyumm on 04/07/2011</em>

438

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 04 July 2011 - 10:11

No, she can't. As her employer you need to sign her release. Only in the case of none payment of wages for more than 3 months the employee can cancel the contract without the permission of the employer. Also as the standard probation time is 6 months, if the employee decides to leave before completion of these 6 months, all visa cost, sick days, etc. needs to be deducted from the employee final settlement. If you hired her locally you do not need to pay her the ticket home also. Well, this is according to the law, but you may not apply some of the rules if you want when it benefits the maid - this is legal. If you hired her from her country, than you need to pay for her return ticket. Hope this is helpful. Have in mind that she may go home and decide not to come back, so do not pay anything in advance - if she goes on leave now that will be unpaid leave as she has not completed 6 months.

1247

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 04 July 2011 - 09:28

no idea actually, it was info from here a while back, try to do a search. Someones maid wanted to be released and they took her to immigration who worked out a deal with the family how much maid should pay back. Not sure if its even in a written rule or not, but legally they (maids) cant cancel a contract so it would make sense that they can "buy their way out" ?

1414

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 04 July 2011 - 08:56

Oh that's interesting Purple re paying back some of the expenses, do you know where I can find that info? TIA

1247

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 04 July 2011 - 08:45

no she cant cancel - legally. but like others say, do you really want someone in your house who doesnt want to be there? If she wants to be released she is supposed to pay you back some costs, take her to immigration and let them have a word with her, she may really really want to stay if she is told she has to pay you back some money ;) Some of these ladies seem to think we have a steady stream of cash coming in (that we dont work hard for) so it may just be that you need to put your foot down and tell her that her holiday is at the end of contract and thats that.

1414

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 03 July 2011 - 20:38

If she really wants to go then send her and cancel her visa, otherwise what good will it do if she mopes around, not really giving a damn and is unhappy all the time, you will get the 2,000dhs deposit back and give her a ban so if she's found a better offer she cannot come back for 6 months. I know 5,000dhs is a lot to loose but if its your only opition .......... don't send her on holiday that will not solve the problem, you will be spending more money on her, she might not come back, who will do her work while she is away? and she will think by behaving like this she will get her own way :(

fairycakeyumm21878

2239

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 03 July 2011 - 20:22

No she can't cancel contract but be aware if she is desperate to leave she may obscond ... Happened to us u treat them well and their answer is it doesn't matter ure rich lol good luck ..

Log in to post new content in the forum.

ON EXPATWOMAN TODAY

Top online British and US High Schools in the UAE: CambriLearn

Back-to-School, Reimagined: How UAE Families Are Choosing a Smarter Start to the School Year

Top 10 Low Cost Airlines in the UAE

Top 10 Most Affordable Budget Airlines in the UAE For Your Next Trip

Top Nursery School Kids Summer Camps in Dubai 2025

Embark on a Summer Adventure at Kids First Group Universe!

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

Dubai Expat Resident Receives Commemorate Passport Stamp After 60 Years

Top 5 UK curriculum online schools for expat families and kids abroad

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

UAE Breaks Heat Record With 51.6°C - Here’s How to Stay Safe and Sane This Summer

Best educational summer camps for teenagers in Dubai: MDX Summer Camps

Experience Summer Learning at its Best with MDX Study Camps at Middlesex University Dubai

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

Hidden Costs of Expat Life in Dubai (and How to Outsmart Them)

Real Madrid World Dubai - Summer Offer AED 199 per ticket

Real Madrid World is Celebrating World Football Day With AED 199 Tickets

Scholarship opportunities at the Swiss international Scientific School Dubai (SISD)

Dubai IB School's Class of 2025 Secures Over $10 Million in University Scholarships

Travel influencer academy in Dubai

Dubai Just Launched a Travel Influencer Academy

Central Bank of UAE reveals new official currency symbol for the Emirati dirham

UAE Unveils New Official Dirham Symbol, Inspired By the Country's Flag

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed announces 3 best UAE government departments

Pictured: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed at a UAE Cabinet meeting.

H.H Sheikh Mohammed Ranks 3 Best & Worst UAE Government Departments

New 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

There's a 10-Year UAE Residency Visa for Dubai Content Creators and Influencers

UAE president announces 2025 will be the 'Year of Community' in the emirates

Confirmed: 2025 Will Be The 'Year of Community' in The UAE

Breakfast with penguins at Ski Dubai Mall of the Emirates

You Can Now Enjoy Breakfast With Penguins in Dubai

How to convert another country's drivers license in Dubai

How to Convert a Non-UAE Driving License in Dubai: A Complete Guide

Registrations open for EYFS curriculum Willow Children's Nursery in Dubai

Where to Choose the Best EYFS Children's Nursery in Dubai Marina

List of confirmed UAE public holidays in 2025

List of UAE Public Holidays in 2025: Announced and Expected Dates

Outdoor cinemas in Dubai for the winter season 2024

The Best Outdoor Cinemas in Dubai to See Open-Air Movies This Winter

Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School in Dubai

Introducing the Executive Hospitality Programme at South View School Dubai

Expat legal consultants in the UAE | Dr. Hassan Elhais

Meet Dr. Hassan Elhais: A Pillar of Legal Expertise for Expats in the UAE

Saray Spa promotions at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

This Luxury Dubai Spa Has Some of the Very Best Breaks To Escape To

A Complete Guide How to Get an Influencer License in Dubai and UAE

How to Get a UAE Influencer License: Step-By-Step Guide & Requirements

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Dubai's gravity-driven tunnel to reduce flood risks by 700%

Pictured: Flooded roads from the record-breaking storm that hit Dubai in April 2024.

Dubai Flood Risk to Be Cut Down by 700% With New Tunnel

8 Beauty Treatments in Dubai for busy moms

8 Beauty Treatments in Dubai: Self-Care Recommendations for Busy Moms

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

E-scooters are no longer banned on the Dubai Metro stations and trains

RTA Finally Lifts E-Scooter Ban From Dubai Metro

Spa packages at Saray Spa in JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

Step Into the Ultimate Relaxation Bliss With Saray Spa's Pampering Packages

How to book Dubai taxi through WhatsApp

Booking Taxis in Dubai: How to Hail a Taxi Through WhatsApp

Experience Extended Stays and Special Savings at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort UAE

Soak Up the Summer With the Ultimate UAE Staycation Special

RTA Dubai flying taxi official launch date

Image credit: Joby Aviation.

RTA Finally Confirms Launch Date of Dubai's Flying Taxis