New law to make life better for housemaids
The UAE national parliament has approved a law that could result in sweeping changes for domestic workers.
Members of the Federal National Council (FNC) yesterday agreed a draft bill for household workers, including maids, drivers, houseboys and nannies.
The law now requires UAE presidential approval before it can be rolled out. Under the proposed legislation workers would be entitled to a weekly day off with pay, two weeks’ paid annual leave and 15 paid sick days per year.
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The UAE national parliament has approved a law that could result in sweeping changes for domestic workers
It also states employers must provide workers with a written contract with the promise of end-of-service gratuity.
UAE Minister of Interior Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan said at the FNC meeting: “The ministry is keen on protecting all people in the UAE.”
The minister added: “If approved the ministry will ensure the new law is enforced.” Khalid Mohammed, from Sudan, who works as a driver for a family in Abu Dhabi, said: “The law would be very good for workers. The challenge would be its implementation.”
Another element of the proposal includes psychiatric examinations and medical tests for workers before they are recruited.
Ahmed Mohammed Al Shamsi, an FNC member for Ajman, said: “There have been increased cases of crimes involving house helpers. It’s important that they go for psychiatric examination before starting work. Workers must be mentally stable for the job.
“Agencies should also research candidates’ backgrounds to avoid bringing in criminals.” The proposed law would align the UAE with the International Labour Organisation's Convention 189 and Recommendation 201 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers, which was ratified by the UAE last year.
Comments
by muchacha08
Monday, November 05 2012, 7:40PM
“i hope that this law will be effective, i remember in hongkong,if the employer does not follow the rule in hiring helpers, the helper may write a letter to the consulate and the consulate will investigate,if proven that the employer is wrong,then they can not hire a helper.”
by amohanjay
Wednesday, June 13 2012, 2:17PM
“These rules are great and will surely help a large number of people presently in these professions. However there are two concerns here, how effectively will this rule come into effect and what are the measure in place for employers who do not practice this law. Will there be a regulatory body to oversee this or a forum for the employee to address their concerns???”
by Rochie Mae
Wednesday, June 13 2012, 1:52PM
“I know a family who doesn't give day- off to their housemaids! NOT even a single day in a month. These people for sure won't follow this LAW if ever implemented. Could you guys go to their house and talk to these families??!! AND would there be a punishment for them just in case?!.. I hope and pray that the government of UAE will soon respond to these. Thank you!”
by Rochie Mae
Wednesday, June 13 2012, 1:48PM
“that's awesome! I hope it would be implemented and soon inform our employers to follows such rules like this!!I wanna be free and relax also sometime.”
by Farrokh
Wednesday, June 13 2012, 10:56AM
“I hope this new law help them.”
by nfkhussain
Wednesday, June 13 2012, 10:03AM
“Why don't they make a law... (or punishment!) for those people who do not do the above (i.e. those who do not give a weekly day off or give paid annual leave or those that don't pay their helpers when they are sick?) .... there is something very wrong about the way some people are treating their housemaids/nannies/drivers in this region..... I hope they law is implemented :)... fingers crossed this gets approved!”
by Gavtek
Wednesday, June 13 2012, 8:05AM
“Ah, I spoke to soon, I knew it was too good to be true. I just read the bit about "psychiatric examinations" and my stomach turned ever so slightly.”
by Gavtek
Wednesday, June 13 2012, 8:03AM
“Good idea in theory, who's going to enforce it though? Who's going to make the housemaids aware of this new law, especially when a lot of them are not allowed to see the light of day? How are they going to be able to complain if they are not receiving what they are entitled to?
There needs to be a formal register of all housemaids currently under sponsorship in the UAE, with the respective embassies appointing welfare liaison officers to visit them at their place of work regularly, say once a month.
This law will just be ignored by the people who can easily get away with it.”
by jeff_790
Wednesday, June 13 2012, 6:26AM
“Great decision...have heard from those who have experienced that no even getting an off day..and all the day throughout work...not allowed to go out...just inside that room for years....great initiative n wish soon at the earliest the law comes into effect....a day off is a must in a weeks not only for maids for everyone.....because of the work nature here in uae...everyone is under immense pressure.....so atleast a day off is a much...in my company all the public holidays the management used to make a circular...due to emergency of works...we will be working...which no one is interested and with a threathen if not come it will be effected in service benefits....i just hate it....”
by Tareq Mahmud
Wednesday, June 13 2012, 6:26AM
“that's great...but what about security guard who working in dubai area????”