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

Maid end of contract gratuity and flight home after 1 year?

Spicy pepper55471

193

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 14:15

Hi ladies,

We will terminate our maids contract when the 1 year finishes and she is transferring to another family and not going home. What are you legally due to offer her in this case? are you due to pay any gratuity or flight home?

Thanks
<em>edited by Spicy pepper on 13/02/2013</em>

Log in to post new content in the forum.

sourskittleashnut

984

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 17 January 2016 - 10:32

Just saw this thread, my maid is also asking for 1 months salary and ticket home despite the fact that shes transferring her visa. I'm going to check at immigration for confirmation as well.

1097

Posts

EW OLDHAND

Latest post on 15 February 2013 - 12:02

Simples, our situation is the same ........ Tickets home are on a "use it or lose it" basis, we don't get the option to take the value of the ticket. Same with vacation days, there is a deadline for when they must be taken and after that it is lose them, unless exceptional circumstance due to work commitments, they may be bought out or deadline extended, but at the employers discretion not the employees request !. Sounds like OP's maid already was compensated for ticket home and she had her 1 month vacation, the maid was trying it on to get it a second time.

5400

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 15 February 2013 - 11:46

I'm curious, in these circumstances, is it possible for the employer to state that if the maid doesn't take a flight home during the contractual period, the employer is under no obligation to pay the maid the flight money in lieu? On my husband's current contract, his company will pay for so many trips back to Europe per year, up to a certain maximum sum, but the company organizes the flights themselves and if we don't use them, we are certainly not given the money we haven't spent in lieu. Is it any different because we're talking about maids?

Spicy pepper55471

193

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 15 February 2013 - 11:29

Regarding the holiday part, with our own situation we offered to our maid after only 5 months of working for us to pay her flights to go back home and see her family and give her a month off. She refused but then asked for the flight money instead! She ended up having a months paid holiday here in Dubai when we went home for the summer. We have been very good to our maid and gave her lots of holiday throughout the year. <em>edited by Spicy pepper on 15/02/2013</em>

spongemonkey980

4329

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 15 February 2013 - 10:06

Thanks for the info spicy pepper. The flight bit, I get. The holiday bit seems weird, because in our contract it says that out of the 12 month she is entitled to one month of holiday. So if within those 12 months she would have taken the holiday, that's settled. If she hadn't taken it, and would be leaving, I still believe she would be entitled to a one month salary. That would not be a holiday gratuity, but the salary for the month she worked which she wouldn't have had to work. Just my thinking though. I also think this is fair but we know how many people treat their maids here and unfortunately many of the old " ways" and " thinking" are entrenched in certain people's minds .

2287

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 15 February 2013 - 09:53

Thanks for the info spicy pepper. The flight bit, I get. The holiday bit seems weird, because in our contract it says that out of the 12 month she is entitled to one month of holiday. So if within those 12 months she would have taken the holiday, that's settled. If she hadn't taken it, and would be leaving, I still believe she would be entitled to a one month salary. That would not be a holiday gratuity, but the salary for the month she worked which she wouldn't have had to work. Just my thinking though.

Spicy pepper55471

193

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 15 February 2013 - 09:39

Just on a final note, my husband went to immigration where he asked for clarification to the authorities as we are completely new to this. In this case where our maid is transferring to another family in Dubai after a 1 year contract the authorities have confirmed that she is contractually not due any holiday gratuity pay nor any flight money. Flight money would only be due if you were sending her home. So that is the matter clarified from a legal and contract standpoint. Obviously after that, everyone has to make their own personal decisions if they wish to do anything which is what we have done.

Spicy pepper55471

193

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 14 February 2013 - 08:00

Thank you ladies for all your comments. This is the first time we have ever had a maid so we have never been through the process at the end before so I just wanted to check with you what she is asking for is correct. I thought these things were given if she were to renew her contract with us.. If this is correct then of course we will giver her the money. We would never not give our maid money that she is entitled to.

4062

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 14 February 2013 - 07:45

That makes sense SM, thanks. We do the same, our maid's contract is renewed each April and during each year she has been with us she has had 1 months paid holiday, return flights (or money in lieu) and one month's gratuity. So yes, working 11 months and being paid for 12. Not working 12 months and being paid for 13. The wording of the officially contract still makes no sense to me!

spongemonkey980

4329

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 14 February 2013 - 07:33

I understand that SueB but it only really works if she is leaving. What if she is staying with you? The visa/how long she works for you with gets all out of whack because it works out at 13 months which doesn't fit in to a 12 month contract. In this case she is leaving so if she hasn't taken holiday in the year with the OP then she should of course be paid the 1 months vacation money. My maid's contract is due every March so we renew in March on time as per the law - after that time she goes on leave ( at some point in the next 4 months) for one month and gets a return airfare so yes, in effect she is only working 11 months as it were in that year but that is what is due to her legally. It goes on every year the same. She gets 12 salaries in a year - one of which is holiday pay. As you said, this maid of the OP has worked a year so is entitled to a month paid salary.

4062

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 14 February 2013 - 07:16

I understand that SueB but it only really works if she is leaving. What if she is staying with you? The visa/how long she works for you with gets all out of whack because it works out at 13 months which doesn't fit in to a 12 month contract. In this case she is leaving so if she hasn't taken holiday in the year with the OP then she should of course be paid the 1 months vacation money.

2262

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 22:52

seriously....pay the maid what is entitled to her. one months salary after working for you for 12 months. so is leaving to work for another family but you still owe her one months vacation pay. Simple..just pay it rather than nit picking for heavens sakes, and..if she is leaving to go home, you pay her ticket home, one way.....and her months vac pay...simple. If she is transfering to another family, she is not going home...you do not have to pay her one way flight. You still owe her one months vacation pay :)

4062

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 20:21

That is your opinion but that is not what is written in my contract - it says "Second article: the second party shall be given [b'>one month paid vacation after contract completion. The second party may opt for a salary of one month in lieu of the month vacation.[/b'>." That is what my contract says too but it makes absolutely no sense in practice. The contract is for one year so if she works a full year with you then goes home for a month you need to renew her contract when the 12 months is up then wave her off a plane for a months holiday. We all know how often maids don't come back from their holidays and you've just wasted an entire contract renewal on her if she doesn't return. If she does come back then you get in the situation where her visa renewals don't match up with her actually working for you for a year and will fall behind by a month each year. Does that make sense? My about to have a baby brain is struggling to explain clearly! If she is transferring straight to another family after 12 months working for you then she will get the extra months cash but no holiday. Apart from the fact that everyone needs a break to recharge the batteries, chances are she'll start with the 'oh I got no holiday in my last job, I need to go home routine'. It only really works if the maid only comes here for the duration of one contract (12 months) then goes home for good (with the extra months pay tucked in her pocket) or goes home for the month then flies back to start another contract with a new family. Who will then need to pay the exorbitant agency fees to get her here. Or maybe that's the point....

spongemonkey980

4329

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 19:50

We had this long discussion in the maids forum. Maids get their holiday money (if away they get paid for the salary for when they will be away), but not another month tagged on. 12 months salary per year. That is your opinion but that is not what is written in my contract - it says "Second article: the second party shall be given [b'>one month paid vacation after contract completion. The second party may opt for a salary of one month in lieu of the month vacation.[/b'>." "Third article: upon expiry of the contract without renewal, the first party must pay for the second party to return to home country." How does that tie in with what you say?

2287

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 18:53

We had this long discussion in the maids forum. Maids get their holiday money (if away they get paid for the salary for when they will be away), but not another month tagged on. 12 months salary per year. It would be so much more helpful if you would stop voicing your personal opinion as "facts". If she has worked for 12 month, then leaves to be transferred, you pay her the month holiday she is entitled to after a year. <em>edited by Oopsiedaisy on 14/02/2013</em>

CallMeMaybe69991

415

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 18:49

We had this long discussion in the maids forum. Maids get their holiday money (if away they get paid for the salary for when they will be away), but not another month tagged on. 12 months salary per year.

CallMeMaybe69991

415

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 18:47

I hired a "transferred" maid last year. Her former sponsor paid neither ticket, nor holiday. I thought that was awful. Personally I would pay both (considering the circumstances). But as I said earlier, if she doesn't go home, you are not obliged to pay her the money. That is at your discretion. She is however entitled to her holiday money.

spongemonkey980

4329

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 18:11

Thanks she will be transferring directly to another family so are we required to give her a flight ticket home? I thought this would be the case if we renewed her contract? confused.... No, if she is transferring you do not have to give her a ticket home. Nor do you have to give her the ticket money in lieu. Unless you want to. the agency I got my maid from said the same thing ... I would imagine agencies deal with things differently from Joe Average.

spongemonkey980

4329

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 18:10

I would imagine she is asking for the month holiday salary that is stipulated in the contract? It also says that she is entitled to the equivalent money if the airfare is not taken.....

Spicy pepper55471

193

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 17:58

Thank you ladies, she is asking upon completition of her 1 year contract before she transfers to her new family a paid flight home (although she is not going) and a bonus of 1 month salary....

2192

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 15:45

Thanks she will be transferring directly to another family so are we required to give her a flight ticket home? I thought this would be the case if we renewed her contract? confused.... No, if she is transferring you do not have to give her a ticket home. Nor do you have to give her the ticket money in lieu. Unless you want to. the agency I got my maid from said the same thing ...

2958

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 15:36

According to her contract she is entitled to a months paid vacation and an annual ticket home or the equivalent fare in cash - so.....if it was me - as she has worked for you for a year I would pay her the months money as a bonus and as she has already said she doesn't require a ticket home I would give her the money too. These women are away from home to help their families have a better life. Our housemaid only went home every 2 years and would take the months salary and ticket money every other year. She was able to buy some land and is now saving hard to buy the building materials. It doesn't say anywhere in the contract that you don't have to pay this money over - or at least I never saw that part of the contract. I would pay her the money and know that you have helped her and her family enormously. If you decided not to renew and were not able to find her a new employer you would have to pay it anyway. If she has worked hard and worked to find a new employer it would be a nice end of serivce bonus for her. <em>edited by Clairehdp on 13/02/2013</em>

2287

Posts

EW EXPERT

Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 14:54

Thanks she will be transferring directly to another family so are we required to give her a flight ticket home? I thought this would be the case if we renewed her contract? confused.... No, if she is transferring you do not have to give her a ticket home. Nor do you have to give her the ticket money in lieu. Unless you want to.

Spicy pepper55471

193

Posts

EW NEWBIE

Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 14:41

Thanks she will be transferring directly to another family so are we required to give her a flight ticket home? I thought this would be the case if we renewed her contract? confused....

CallMeMaybe69991

415

Posts

EW EXPLORER

Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 14:36

You are not required to do either if she is transferring. If she does not want the ticket home then it is up to you regarding money in lieu. Domestic servants do not get gratuity. This is up to you.

849

Posts

EW GURU

Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 14:33

I think the standard contract says you either provide the flight or payment in lieu of the flight.

4062

Posts

EW MASTER

Latest post on 13 February 2013 - 14:32

Gratuity is discretionary, not obligatory. Not sure on flights in that situation, sorry.

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