The law was issued on September 9 and will come into effect three months after its publication in the Official Gazette. It covers all aspects of the domestic labour law, guaranteeing the rights of all parties in a relationship, whether workers, employers or recruitment agents. The new regulations also stipulate working hours, weekly breaks and leave for domestic workers and affirm the right of domestic workers to a paid day off per week, according to the law’s executive regulations.
The new law establishes severe financial penalties for violations of at least Dh50,000 and up to Dh200,000 will be imposed on individuals that employ domestic workers illegally in the UAE. You can also face this penalty for misusing work permits that were issued for domestic workers or employing a worker who is under the age of 18.