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Maid Visa in Dubai, UAE
  • By Business Consultant
  • September 9, 2024

In Dubai and the UAE, domestic help is more than just a convenience, it has become an absolute necessity. Dubai’s busy lifestyle has pushed residents to hire maids and caretakers who not only look after the house but also help with daily chores and caregiving, becoming an absolute blessing to many. In fact, maids are often seen as part of the family, offering unwavering support and a comforting sense of peace. If you are settled in Dubai and want to bring domestic help to your home, you can easily get a maid visa in Dubai for them.  

We have simplified the information about the maid visa UAE for you in this guide which will enable you to get one without errors and make sure everything is compliant with UAE labour law. Let us start by understanding the meaning of the maid visa in Dubai first. 

Understanding maid visa in Dubai: 

A maid visa is a permit that allows a person to legally work as a nanny or household helper in Dubai. You, as a resident in UAE, can bring your helper to the nation too by sponsoring their residency through maid visa. 

If you hear terms like “nanny visa” or “housemaid Dubai visa”, do not get confused. They all refer to a maid visa in the UAE. A maid visa in Dubai is valid for 2 years, and the sponsor must remember to renew it annually to ensure the same worker continues to work with them. 

Benefits of hiring a maid in Dubai: 

Maids and other types of domestic workers definitely make life much easier by freeing up your time, allowing you to focus on crucial matters like your job, business, or other responsibilities. Check out these benefits of getting a maid visa in Dubai: 

Buy yourself more time: First things first, maids take care of most of your daily chores so that you can focus more on your work, family, or other personal interests.  

Stay legally compliant: By obtaining a maid visa UAE, you ensure that you are bringing them into the country legally. Hiring someone on a cash basis or unofficially can lead to legal issues in the UAE. 

More cost-effective option: Hiring a domestic worker directly is often more affordable than booking one through an agency. While you must adhere to the minimum wage set by UAE labor laws, it is still cheaper than an agency’s hourly rate. 

Child and elderly care: Household workers can look after children or elderly family members, providing peace of mind and taking some of the pressure off you. 

Trustworthy relationship: A live-in maid often becomes a trusted member of your family over time. Their presence and dedication build a reliable relationship, giving you someone dependable to rely on. 

Delegate multiple domestic tasks: Household workers can multitask and handle various chores such as cooking, cleaning, and caregiving, reducing the need for multiple specialists like babysitters, cleaning specialist, etc. 

Be a source of employment: By hiring domestic help, you provide a source of income for their families. Many individuals benefit from the job opportunities that come with being employed as a maid. 

Eligibility requirements for maid visa in Dubai: 

Undoubtedly, there are various benefits of hiring a domestic maid in Dubai, as we discussed. However, there are certain basic requirements for maid visa sponsorship Dubai. Eligibility requirements for a maid visa in Dubai apply to both the sponsors and the maids. 

1. Eligibility criteria for a maid visa: For domestic worker  

  • Age must be over 18. 
  • Must not hold any other valid work permit. 
  • Must pass medical fitness test. 

2. Eligibility criteria for maid visa: For sponsor/employer: 

  • Minimum earning of 25,000 dirhams per month. 
  • Valid UAE residency visa and Emirates ID. 
  • Rent or own an apartment in Dubai with at least two bedrooms. 
  • Can hire from India, the Philippines, Nepal, Bangladesh, Indonesia, or Sri Lanka. 
  • Must provide medical insurance for the maid. 

Please note that currently, bachelors are not allowed to sponsor maids in Dubai. To check out more, you can visit UAE government’s official website. 

New rules for maid visa in Dubai by MOHRE: 

If you plan to hire a maid in Dubai, it is important for you to be aware of the law regulating domestic workers. Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) introduced Federal Decree-Law No. 9 on September 15, 2022, concerning domestic workers and their employment. The aim is to create a better and more secure working environment for domestic workers in the UAE, while also highlighting the responsibilities of employers, recruitment agencies, and domestic workers. 

According to the decree, domestic workers can be hired only through MOHRE licensed agencies. However, certain residents, such as those with a golden visa, can sponsor domestic help directly. Additionally, the decree outlines the contract that must be established between the sponsor and the worker. 

Labour contract between sponsor and maid: 

As per MOHRE labour law, the sponsor must enter into a contract with the maid, adhering to the standard contract mandated by the ministry. A copy of this contract will also be provided to the housemaid. The contract should be signed by both the sponsor and the maid and should include essential details such as the names of both parties, the term of the contract (typically 2 years), the nature and scope of the job, the joining date, accommodation, remuneration, rest periods, leave provisions, and termination rules, etc. 

How to get maid visa in Dubai: Step-by-step guide  

Let us now understand how to get a maid visa in Dubai. Here is the breakdown of house maid visa process in Dubai for 2024: 

Step 1 – Ensure eligibility is fulfilled: 

To start the process, you must first confirm that both you and the domestic worker meet the eligibility criteria for a maid visa. You should be eligible to sponsor a maid, and the maid must also fulfill the regulatory requirements set by the MoHRE. 

Step 2 – Choose the application method: 

Decide how you will apply for the maid visa. You can either do it through GDFRA or seek assistance from a licensed Tadbeer center. Tadbeer centers, operated under MOHRE, offer services such as entry permits, visa status changes, medical insurance, and maid visa renewals or cancellations. They provide comprehensive maid visa packages for both residents and expatriates in the UAE. They make it very easy to find, sponsor or hire domestic workers in the UAE. 

Step 3 – Prepare the necessary documents: 

You will need several documents for the maid visa application so you must keep that ready ahead to submit those to relevant authority without any issue. Here are documents required for maid visa in Dubai: 

For the sponsor: 

  • Completed and authorized visa application form 
  • Copy of passports for self and spouse 
  • Original Emirates ID 
  • Marriage contract as proof of relationship 
  • Lease contract or title deed for residence (minimum 2-bedroom apartment) 
  • Bank statement for the last 3 months 
  • Copy of residence visas of self and spouse 
  • Salary certificate as proof of adhering to minimum requirement 
  • Copy of labor contract 
  • Non-relationship affidavit (if applicable) 
  • Written explanation for hiring more than 5 domestic workers (if applicable) 

For the maid: 

  • Copy of passport 
  • Passport-sized photo 
  • Medical fitness certificate 
  • Visit visa, if inside UAE 
  • Cancellation of previous work visa (if applicable) 

There may be additional documents that you would need to get a maid visa. Our experts at Dubiz Business Setup will let you know the exact requirements. 

Step 4 – Applying for the maid visa: 

Once you have prepared all the documents, the next step is to apply for a maid visa by visiting one of the Tadbeer center/license agency in the UAE or through GDRFA and bring the maid to Dubai.  

Here are the steps to follow for maid visa approval and stamping in Dubai: 

  1. Get entry permit: Secure an entry visa for the maid to allow his/her entry into the UAE and complete the residence visa application process. 
  2. Complete medical test: Schedule and complete the medical fitness assessment for the maid at authorized government health centers. The validity of medical fitness certificate is 90 days. 
  3. Get Emirates ID: Obtain the Emirates ID through official government online portals or a designated typing center. Complete biometric screening as required within 10 days of generating Emirates ID. 
  4. Sign employment contract: Enter into a MoHRE employment contract with the maid, complying with the latest MOHRE labor laws. 
  5. Get medical insurance: Obtain health insurance policy for the maid after signing labour contract. You will need to submit the Emirates ID and medical fitness certificate to get one. 
  6. Apply for residency visa: After completing all above formalities and receiving approval from the authority, you must get the residency visa stamped on maid’s passport and receive the domestic worker identity card. 

Feeling overwhelmed by the process? Don’t stress! Our Dubiz experts can assist you with both securing a new maid visa or UAE visa renewal, whatever your requirement is.  

Maid visa cost in Dubai:  

The cost of a 2-year maid visa in Dubai starts from AED 8,500* if you apply through Tadbeer. It includes fully sponsored visa, medical fitness test, health insurance, Emirates ID, free WPS bank account, PRO and more.  Through private sponsorship, a maid visa will cost around AED 17,000* and would need a deposit of AED 2,000*. 

Here are the general expenses for a maid visa in Dubai: 

  1. Application fees 
  2. Typing center fees 
  3. Heath insurance 
  4. Medical test 
  5. Labour contract 
  6. Emirates ID and worker ID fees 
  7. Renewal and cancellation charges, if any. 

Contact one of our professional consultants at Dubiz Business Setup and get the complete breakdown of your costs. 

Hiring a maid in Dubai – Things to take care of: 

Now that you are all ready to sponsor your housemaid, we want you to know certain important rules that you and your maid must abide to stay legally complaint. Here is the overview of important things mentioned in the Federal Decree-Law no.9 (2022) concerning domestic workers in UAE: 

1. Maid entitlements: 

As per the Federal-Decree Law, domestic workers are legally entitled to: 

  • Timely wage payment: Wages, as mentioned in the standard contract, should be paid within 10 days from the due date. 
  • Weekly rest leave: Paid rest leave for one day each week. 
  • Daily rest period: A 12-hour rest period per day, including an 8-hour continuous rest period. 
  • Annual leave: Paid annual leave of 30 days. 
  • Round-trip ticket: A round-trip ticket to their home country every 2 years. 
  • Sick leave: Sick leave of 30 days per year. 
  • Accommodation and care: Appropriate accommodation, medical care, food, and work attire. 
  • Personal identification: Possession of personal identification documents such as IDs and passports. 

2. Obligations of the sponsor towards domestic workers: 

In addition to terms mentioned in the labor contract, employers have the following obligations: 

  • Provide proper accommodation. 
  • Ensure meals and appropriate clothing. 
  • Pay wages on time. 
  • Provide necessary medical care or health insurance. 
  • Ensure respect and safety in the working environment. 
  • Offer compensation for work-related injuries or occupational diseases. 

3. Prohibited activities for employers of domestic workers:

The labour law prohibits these things for employers: 

  • Must not hire workers under age of 18. 
  • Must not engage in human trafficking. 
  • Must not discriminate based on race, color, gender, religion, or nationality. 
  • Should not assign tasks not mentioned in the contract. 
  • Must not force labor. 
  • Should not engage in physical or verbal abuse. 

4. Obligations of domestic workers:

Other than terms mentioned in the labor contract, domestic workers must fulfil these duties:  

  • Perform duties diligently as per the contract. 
  • Maintain a high standard of duty. 
  • Avoid being absent without reason. 
  • Observe nation’s customs and traditions. 
  • Respect privacy. 
  • Keep workplace items and tools organized. 
  • Assist the workplace and family in disasters and hazards.

Let Dubiz simplify the process for you! 

Getting a housemaid in Dubai can really change your life, offering someone who is always there to help with your daily needs. If you are looking to get a maid visa, it is one of the finest decisions you can make. If the process seems complicated, allow us to simplify it for you. Our Dubiz experts will ensure your maid visa application is done smoothly and without hassle, as they know the system inside out. 

Besides that, we also specialize in company formation in UAE. We make business setup in Dubai super easy for expats, understanding that they may not be familiar with the process. From company registration to licensing, visas, bank accounts, and government approvals, we handle it all.  

Moreover, our additional services such as auditing and compliance, book-keeping services, document renewals, marketing services, etc. make sure your business is not just running but thriving in Dubai.  

Contact Dubiz today to find out best business solution for yourself: Call us: +971 562986853, WhatsApp us: +971 501309366, Email us: info@dubiz.co    

FAQs 

1. Who regulates domestic workers in UAE? 

Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) is responsible for regulations the labours and labour market in UAE including domestic workers.  

2. What is cost of maid visa in Dubai? 

The cost of maid visa in Dubai starts from AED 8,500 and can go up to AED 17,000. 

3. How to contact Tadbeer? 

You can contact Tadbeer on +971 4 706 0111 or contact@tadbeer.ae. You can also visit them on their address: Indigo Sky Building – Sheikh Zayed Road -Umm Al Sheif – Dubai 

4. How to renew a maid visa in Dubai? 

To renew a maid visa in Dubai, you need to: 

  • Obtained a visa renewal application and medical request form from an authorized typist. 
  • Submit these forms to the GDRFA office near you and pay the fees. 

Alternatively, you can get maid visa renewed through Tadbeer service center. Documents needed for maid visa renewal include: 

  • Previous residency visa 
  • Previous Emirates ID  
  • Health insurance and more 

5. Can you cancel a maid visa in Dubai? 

Yes, it is possible to cancel maid visa in Dubai. However, it can be cancelled only by the sponsor/employer. You can get it done through the GDRFA website or Tadbeer service center. 

6. What is the age limit for maid visa in Dubai? 

Domestic workers must be at least 18 years old to be eligible for maid visa UAE. Those above 60 can also continue working provided they are medically fit, their medical expenses are being covered by a sponsor and they have official approval from the government. 

7. Can I bring my own maid to Dubai? 

Yes, you can bring your own domestic housemaid to Dubai provided you meet all the eligibility and legal requirements. 

8. Can you bring maid from India to the UAE? 

Yes, you can bring your maid from India to the UAE. You can apply for the maid visa privately or through MoHRE approved Tadbeer service center. Just must ensure you meet the eligibility to apply and keep the necessary documents ready for visa application. 

9. How to check maid visa status? 

You can check the status of maid visa on the official website of GDRFA.