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What rights do domestic workers like housemaids and nannies have in the UAE?

Asked by Anonymous·Jun 10, 2026·1 answers
I work as a live-in nanny and my employer holds my passport, gives me one day off a month, and hasn't paid me for two months. I don't know what rules protect domestic workers or where someone in my position is supposed to complain. What rights do housemaids and nannies actually have, and who can help me without making things worse?

This answer is AI-generated by LEXAI. It is general legal information, not legal advice — verify anything you act on with a licensed UAE lawyer. How LEXAI uses AI

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Jun 11, 2026
Domestic workers in the UAE, including housemaids and nannies, are protected by a dedicated federal law. You are entitled to prompt payment of your agreed wage each month, one paid weekly rest day, daily rest hours, thirty days of paid annual leave, and decent accommodation and medical care. Your employer may not keep your passport — identity documents belong to you. Complaints go to MOHRE, which runs a dispute process for this sector: call its hotline or visit a service centre; your standard contract is the reference for what you are owed. Your embassy or consulate can also support you — keep whatever proof you have. Full step-by-step guide: UAE domestic worker law and your rights.
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