Q: I have had a domestic worker ‘nanny‘ under my sponsorship for 7 years. She decided suddenly to terminate our existing contract which will end after 4 months and ran away with her boyfriend! Tried to negotiate with her to come back till I search for a replacement but unfortunately, she did not agree. I usually take her with me to renew her working visa and contract in TADBEER. But last year, after reaching there, my son was sleeping in my car and she stayed with him. I had to sign the work contract on my behalf and her behalf in front of the officer who told me it is ok as she was our nanny for 6 years that time. I’m not sure if I finger stamped on her behalf or not. My question is: can she file a case that I signed on her behalf on the maid contract? If she did this, what will the consequences be on me? Thanks!

Q: Hello, I sent my nanny on holiday since I was going on holiday. She returned to the UAE but didn't come back to my house. I had processed a two-year visa for her from Tadbeer. Please advise

Q: Hello, I'm a domestic worker, and recently I realize that my EID is different from all my friends from the same agency. Mine doesn't have an indication about sponsor name or occupation, it's just plain. I never saw my residence visa since the employer is keeping my passport. I also haven't seen the ID up close, they only sent me a digital picture of it. I once called the labor office to enquire about my contract since the office I came from refused to send it to me, unfortunately, I'm not in the labor system. So my question is, will this be a problem in near future? Let's say when the visa is being canceled, and what visa am I on because it doesn't look like a domestic worker one to me.

Q: Good morning, I work as a housemaid. My sponsor has given me until the end of this month to find another job. She says that she will keep my October and November salaries in case I don't find a job, and she will pay my return ticket with my salary. I would like to know what to do about this situation because I don't want to go back to my country now. I never signed a contract of employment and she did not give me a cancellation letter.

Q: Hello, Good day! I have been working as a housemaid for almost a year, since March 8, 2022. However, I already informed my employer on February 8, 2023, that I wish to terminate my contract because they are not giving me a day off and my working hours start at 7:30 am and end at 12 am or sometimes later. Additionally, they have been keeping my passport and visa, and have informed me that I need to pay for them. They have also withheld my salary until a new nanny is hired. Can you please advise me on whether I can directly approach the labor department to file a complaint? I am afraid to return home because I am worried that my employer might do something to harm me, and it is difficult for me to make calls while I am working as I am constantly taking care of the baby, and there is a camera in the room. I appreciate your help! Have a good day. Best Regards,

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, I would like to know whether we are required to pay gratuity to domestic workers under the latest law. If so, from which year, as we have a few domestic workers who have been working for my boss for more than 20 years? However, I came across the following news article: End of Service Gratuity for domestic workers in the U.A.E. has been amended, by virtue of the new law governing domestic workers, which came into effect in December of 2022. The new law, U.A.E. Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 on Domestic Workers, canceled the previous law, U.A.E. Federal Law No. 10 of 2017 on Domestic Workers. Unlike the earlier law, the new law does not set out specific entitlement to the end-of-service gratuity. This decision was further clarified by the Cabinet Resolution No. 106 of 2022 re: Domestic Employees, which was issued in January 2023. Therefore, at present, there is no legal authority in support of gratuity entitlement for domestic workers.

Q: Dear Sir/Madam, My female relative has been recruited as a housemaid in Ras Al Khaimah. Her passport and Emirates ID have been held by her sponsor. She is saying that she isn't fit for this work physically and mentally and needs to be relieved. However, the sponsor is not allowing her to return to her country. What should she or I do for her return?

The UAE has adopted a major reform in its legislative system that brought about 40 new laws and amendments to the company law, criminal law, personal status, among others. The amendments aim to develop the legislative structure in various sectors, the labor law being one of these, was the most recent. We try in this article to shed light on the changes introduced with the new labor law and their significance on both, the employer and employee.

The provisions of this Decree-Law, known as "New UAE Labor Law", govern labour relations in the private sector of the United Arab Emirates. The New Labor Law repeals the previous UAE Labor Law (Federal Law No. (8) of 1980).

The provisions of this Law, known as "UAE Labour Law", govern the relationship between employers and employees and other labour matters in the United Arab Emirates. There are special labour related regulations applicable in some of the free zones in the UAE.

This Decree sets the rules and conditions for the termination of fixed-term (limited) or unlimited (not term-bound) employment contract between employer and worker in the United Arab Emirates.