Domestic workers (maids, nannies, caregivers etc.) in Ajman and the UAE have specific rights under Federal Laws, Ministerial Resolutions, and MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation) regulations. Knowing your rights helps you ensure fair treatment, job security, safety, and dignity. Below are the key rights, recent changes in law, and what every maid should make sure of.
1. Legal Framework & Recent Amendments
- Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 concerning Domestic Workers provides the main legal protections. The Library of Congress+2UAE Official Portal+2
- Federal Decree-Law No. 21 of 2023 amends certain provisions of that law to strengthen rights (e.g. anti-discrimination, tasks covered under contract, etc.). UAE Official Portal
- In 2024-2025, the government has increased enforcement of these laws. Recruitment offices have been fined for violations, and legal penalties have been clarified and strengthened. MOHRE+1
2. Minimum Age & Consent
- Domestic workers must be at least 18 years old. UAE Official Portal+2The Library of Congress+2
- The worker must give informed consent to the contract, know the terms before leaving their home country. UAE Official Portal+1
3. Contract Rights
- You have the right to a written contract that clearly states the duties, working hours, salary, rest days, leave, accommodation (if applicable), and benefits. UAE Official Portal+2The Library of Congress+2
- The contract must match what was promised, and you should receive a copy. اللجنة الدائمة لحقوق الإنسان+1
4. Working Hours, Rest & Weekly Day Off
- Maximum daily rest: domestic workers must have at least 12 hours of rest per 24-hour period, of which at least 8 hours are consecutive. UAE Legislation+1
- One paid rest day per week after six working days. The Library of Congress+1
5. Leaves: Annual, Sick & Other Leave
- Annual leave: at least 30 calendar days paid after one year of service. If less than a year but more than 6 months, leave entitlement is pro rata (2 days per month). UAE Legislation+1
- Sick leave: Up to 30 days per year, with first 15 days paid in full; remaining 15 days at half wage. UAE Legislation
6. Salary Payment & Wage Protection
- Wages must be paid in UAE dirhams and on time. Al Ain University+1
- In 2025, some categories of domestic workers are required to be on the Wage Protection System (WPS) so wages are disbursed via approved financial channels, ensuring transparency and timeliness. Lexis Middle East
7. Medical Treatment, Insurance & Return Ticket
- Employers must provide medical treatment or health insurance if needed. The Library of Congress+2اللجنة الدائمة لحقوق الإنسان+2
- If the worker wants to travel to their home country, the employer is required to provide a return ticket once every two years. If the contract is terminated or not renewed, one-way return ticket must be provided. The Library of Congress+2UAE Legislation+2
8. Accommodation, Food & Basic Necessities
- If the job requires live-in status, the employer should provide adequate accommodation, food, and clothes. The Library of Congress+1
- Worker’s identification documents (passport etc.) must not be retained unlawfully. You have the right to keep your passport. Gulf News+1
9. Protection Against Harassment, Discrimination & Forced Labour
- Discrimination based on gender, race, religion, nationality etc. is prohibited. UAE Official Portal+1
- Sexual harassment, forced labour, and trafficking are illegal. UAE Official Portal+1
- Tasks not covered in your contract cannot be forced upon you without your consent. UAE Official Portal+1
10. Termination Rights & Notice
- There may be a probation period (not exceeding 6 months). During or after that, contract termination must respect legal notice or mutual consent. UAE Legislation+1
- If employer terminates without cause, you are entitled to flight ticket back home and payment of dues. Gulf Today+1
11. Right to File Complaints & Access to Justice
- Domestic workers can file complaints to MOHRE if rights are violated. Gulf Today+1
- Domestic workers are exempted from litigation fees for rights-related lawsuits. Gulf Today
- Disputes must be heard urgently, and there are legal channels. Gulf Today+1
12. What Happens If the Employer or Recruitment Agency Violates the Law
- There are fines, licence revocation, penalties for providing false info or fake documents. The National+2The National+2
- Recruitment offices found violating refund rules, failing to provide promised conditions, will be penalised. The National+1
What Every Maid in Ajman Should Do / Know
To make sure you get these rights, here is a practical checklist of what you should verify or do:
| Item | What to Check / Do |
|---|---|
| Employment contract | Make sure it’s written, you understand it, get a copy. |
| Legal age proof | Documents proving you are 18 or older. |
| Salary & payment method | Know when you will be paid, in what currency, and how. |
| Rest & weekly day off | Know your weekly rest day and daily rest hours. |
| Annual leave & sick leave | Confirm how many leave days, when paid etc. |
| Medical insurance / healthcare access | Employer must provide or pay for medical needs. |
| Return ticket rights | Ask when or under what terms you get a return ticket. |
| Accommodation & food | If job is live-in, that these are provided. |
| Protection rights | Understand that discrimination, forced labor etc. are illegal. |
| Complaint process | Know how to make a complaint to MOHRE or legal body. |
| Check recruiter is licensed | Only use agencies licensed by MOHRE. |
How Rights Relate to Employers & Agencies Like INAYA Domestic Workers Ajman
If you work or will work through INAYA Domestic Workers Ajman, this is how they should help you ensure these rights:
- They should provide a legal contract that meets UAE domestic worker law requirements.
- They should ensure your visa, work permit, medical fitness, insurance are in place.
- They should make sure you are aware of your rights (leave, weekly rest, salary, etc.) before hiring.
- They should recruit only licensed and legally operating recruitment offices.
- They should assist if there is any dispute – e.g. helping with claims, legal support, or contact with MOHRE.
Conclusion
Domestic workers in 2025 in Ajman and across the UAE have more legal protections than ever, under Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 and its amendments. You have rights to fair pay, leave, rest, safe working conditions, protection from abuse and discrimination, and access to legal recourse.
If you are considering working with a domestic employer or agency, always verify your contract, documents, and that you are being treated in accordance with the law. Services such as INAYA Domestic Workers Ajman should honor these laws, provide you your rights, and help you if any violations occur.
Very informative and practical! INAYA Domestic Workers always ensures customer satisfaction and transparent contracts. 🌍
Visit: https://inayadomestic.ae
#INAYAUAE #DomesticWorkerAgency #ProfessionalMaids