Published
2026-04-03 07:21:43
Hiring a maid or nanny in Dubai is not just about choosing someone you trust, it also means following the rules and regulations set by the UAE government. In Dubai, maids and nannies considered as domestic workers, and there are clear rules in place to ensure fair treatment and protection for both families and domestic workers.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) oversees all rules related to hiring domestic workers, including contracts, visas, wages, working hours, and employee rights. To ensure transparency and compliance, MOHRE has introduced the Tadbeer Center, which manages the legal recruitment and employment process for maids and nannies across UAE.
Understanding MOHRE rules and regulations is essential for families who want to hire a nanny or maid legally. This guide will walk you through the key requirements and guidelines so you can make decisions while staying fully compliant with Dubai’s domestic worker laws.
What is MOHRE?
MOHRE is the government authority that manages employment rules and labour-related issues across the UAE. It ensures that hiring practices are fair and well-organized for both employers and workers.
When it comes to domestic workers such as maids, nannies, etc, MOHRE sets clear guidelines for visas, employment contracts, salaries, and worker rights. These regulations help everyone make sure domestic workers are hired in a legal and transparent way.
For families and employers, following MOHRE guidelines provides confidence and legal protection. It also allows access to trained domestic workers through approved service centers , which make the hiring and management process easier and fully compliant with UAE laws.
MOHRE’s Role in Labor Regulations
MOHRE plays a key role in regulating employment across the UAE. Its main goal is to ensure a fair, safe, and transparent working environment for both employers and workers. By setting clear rules and closely monitoring employment practices, MOHRE helps maintain trust.
Key responsibilities of MOHRE
Ensuring fair treatment of workers
MOHRE protect worker rights by making sure employment terms are clear and respected. This helps create a healthy and respectful work environment.
Promotes clear and legally valid employment contracts
Ensures salaries are paid on time and through proper systems
Provides official channels to resolve workplace disputes
Protects workers from unfair treatment
Regulating employment contracts and visas
MOHRE oversees the entire employment process, from hiring to contract renewal. This ensures that all employment agreements follow UAE labour laws and immigration requirements.
Monitors employment contracts to ensure they meet UAE labour laws
Manages visa and work permit procedures
Ensures employers follow legal hiring practices
Supports lawful hiring practices for households and businesses
Laws for Domestic Workers
Special rules are in place for domestic workers such as maids and nannies to ensure a safe and respectful working environment.
Clearly defines the duties and responsibilities of both employers and workers
Prohibits hiring anyone under the age of 18
Bans discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or nationality
Strictly forbids forced labour, harassment, or physical harm
Prevents assigning tasks outside the agreed job role
Overall, MOHRE serves as the backbone of the UAE’s labour system. By enforcing fair policies and ethical employment standards, it helps create a secure and well-regulated workforce for everyone involved.
Laws Governing Maids and Nannies in the UAE
Domestic workers in the UAE are protected under Federal Law No. 10 of 2017, which clearly defines the rights and responsibilities of both employers and workers.
Key Highlights of the Law
Mandatory written employment contracts
Timely salary payments
Weekly rest days and annual leave
Safe and respectful working conditions
Protection against abuse or exploitation
These rules help create a balanced and professional household work environment.
Visa Rules for Hiring Maids and Nannies
Hiring a domestic worker in Dubai requires a valid visa, which is regulated by MOHRE. To sponsor a maid or nanny, employers must be UAE residents, meet income eligibility requirements, provide suitable accommodation and follow all legal procedures.
Common documents include:
Employer’s Emirates ID and visa copy
Worker’s passport
Medical fitness certificate
Approved employment contract
Visa Process
Submit application through MOHRE
Complete medical testing
Register Emirates ID
Stamp residency visa
Employer Responsibilities Under MOHRE Rules
Employers have clear obligations when hiring domestic workers.
Providing a Safe Work Environment
Domestic workers must be treated with respect and employers should ensure:
Safe living conditions
Reasonable working hours
Proper meals and rest
Paying salary on time
Granting Leave and Rest Days (weekly rest days, annual paid leave and medical leave)
Conclusion
Hiring a maid or nanny in Dubai should always be done legally and ethically. MOHRE’s rules protect families while ensuring domestic workers are treated with fairness and respect.