What rights do domestic workers have under UAE law?

Domestic workers in the UAE are covered by their own law, not the general labour law that applies to most private-sector employees. The governing framework is the Federal Decree-Law on Domestic Workers, administered by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). It covers maids, nannies, cooks, gardeners, private drivers and similar household staff. Because this is a separate decree, the entitlements and the dispute routes are not the same as they are under the mainland labour law. The starting point is the contract. Household staff are entitled to a written, unified employment contract registered with MOHRE and signed by both the employer and the worker — informal verbal terms do not replace it. Recruitment must go through a licensed Tadbeer service centre rather than unregulated channels. The decree then sets a floor of core protections. These include daily rest, at least one paid weekly rest day, and paid annual leave. The employer must provide suitable accommodation, food and access to medical care unless the contract states otherwise. Forced labour is prohibited. Wages must be paid as agreed. The worker keeps their own identity and travel documents — withholding a passport is not permitted. The exact number of leave days, daily rest hours and notice requirements are fixed by the decree and its executive regulations, so confirm the current figures against your registered contract and the MOHRE guidance before relying on them. If something goes wrong, the first step is MOHRE. It mediates domestic-worker disputes between the household and the worker before any referral to court. For advice on your own contract or dispute, you can speak to a verified UAE legal professional on LEXAI who handles domestic-worker and household-employment matters.