As the UAE continues to modernize its labour system, new updates to the MOHRE domestic worker rules 2025 are designed to make hiring safer, more transparent, and fair for everyone.
Whether you’re hiring a full-time maid, nanny, or cook, understanding these laws is essential to avoid fines and ensure a smooth working relationship.
This guide by INAYA Domestic Workers Ajman breaks down everything UAE employers need to know — contracts, rights, insurance, and penalties under the latest MOHRE domestic worker rules 2025.
🏛️ What Is MOHRE and Why It Regulates Domestic Work
MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation) oversees all domestic worker employment in the UAE.
The ministry ensures that:
- Every maid or nanny is legally sponsored.
- Workers are paid fairly and on time.
- Families follow health, safety, and accommodation rules.
- Agencies like INAYA Domestic Workers remain compliant and transparent.
🟩 Fact: The UAE’s domestic worker system is now fully digital — all contracts, visas, and complaints are managed via MOHRE’s unified online platform.
📜 Overview of MOHRE Domestic Worker Rules 2025
| Regulation Area | Summary of Key Rule |
|---|---|
| Legal Contract | Every domestic worker must have a MOHRE-approved bilingual (Arabic/English) contract. |
| Work Hours | Maximum 12 hours per day with rest and breaks included. |
| Rest Day | One paid day off per week (usually Friday). |
| Salary Payment | Must be paid monthly through WPS (Wage Protection System). |
| Insurance | Health and accident insurance is mandatory. |
| End-of-Service Benefit | 1 month’s salary for every year of service. |
| Accommodation | Safe, private, and hygienic housing must be provided. |
These are the foundations of the mohre domestic worker rules 2025, ensuring both parties are equally protected.
🧾 Employer Responsibilities under the 2025 Rules
UAE employers have several legal duties when hiring domestic workers:
1️⃣ Provide a Legal Contract – Use MOHRE’s official domestic worker contract template.
2️⃣ Register the Worker – The worker must be registered on MOHRE’s system within 30 days of arrival.
3️⃣ Ensure Medical Screening – Fitness certificate required before employment starts.
4️⃣ Activate Insurance – Covers healthcare, accidents, and emergency costs.
5️⃣ Pay Salary on Time – Must go through WPS; cash payments are not accepted.
6️⃣ Renew Documents – Visa and Emirates ID must be renewed before expiry.
Failing to follow these mohre domestic worker rules 2025 can result in heavy penalties or suspension of visa privileges.
🧍♀️ Domestic Worker Rights (Under MOHRE Law 2025)
The law also protects domestic workers, ensuring fair treatment and dignity at work.
| Worker Right | Legal Provision |
|---|---|
| Timely Payment | Salary must be paid within 10 days of the due date. |
| Rest & Holidays | Minimum one day off per week + 30 days paid annual leave. |
| Medical Coverage | Employer must provide full medical insurance. |
| Safe Working Conditions | No physical or verbal abuse allowed; penalties apply. |
| End-of-Service | Full benefits upon contract completion or renewal. |
🟩 INAYA Advantage: All maids hired through INAYA Domestic Workers Ajman come with clear documentation confirming these rights are respected.
💼 MOHRE-Approved Employment Categories (2025 List)
Under the mohre domestic worker rules 2025, 19 roles are recognized legally:
- Maid / Housekeeper
- Nanny / Babysitter
- Cook / Chef
- Elderly Caregiver
- Driver
- Gardener
- Private Tutor
- House Security Guard
- Private Nurse
- Home Farm Worker
- Personal Assistant
- Host / Household Manager
- and more…
Hiring outside these categories is not allowed and can lead to legal fines.
⚙️ Visa & Contract Process (Step-by-Step)
1️⃣ Application Submission: Agency or employer files through MOHRE portal.
2️⃣ Medical Test: Worker must pass health screening at an approved clinic.
3️⃣ Contract Upload: MOHRE bilingual contract signed by both parties.
4️⃣ Insurance Activation: Must be completed before visa stamping.
5️⃣ Visa & Emirates ID: Processed via ICP Smart Services.
✅ Average Processing Time: 7–10 working days through INAYA Domestic Workers.
⚠️ Penalties for Breaking MOHRE Domestic Worker Rules 2025
| Violation | Fine (AED) |
|---|---|
| Hiring without valid visa | 50,000 |
| Employing unlicensed worker | 100,000 |
| Not paying salary via WPS | 10,000 |
| Not providing insurance | 5,000 |
| Refusing end-of-service payment | 20,000 |
🟥 Reminder: Fines apply to both individuals and unlicensed agencies. Always work through licensed providers like INAYA.
📈 Domestic Worker Legalization Growth (2020–2025)
| Year | % Legal Hires | MOHRE Reports |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 62% | High rate of informal hiring |
| 2022 | 75% | Increased agency supervision |
| 2024 | 88% | Strong compliance nationwide |
| 2025 | 95% | Nearly full legalization achieved |
📊 Insight: MOHRE expects all maid and domestic hiring in UAE to be fully digital and regulated by 2026.
🧠 Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who issues domestic worker visas in UAE?
MOHRE, under Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022.
Q2. Can I hire directly without an agency?
Only if you personally sponsor the worker and follow MOHRE procedures.
Q3. Are insurance and medical required?
Yes, both are mandatory for all domestic workers.
Q4. Can a maid work for two families?
No — every worker must be under one valid sponsor or agency.
Q5. What if disputes arise?
MOHRE’s Domestic Worker Dispute Centre handles complaints within 14 days.
💬 Client Experience
“INAYA Domestic Workers handled our maid’s visa, insurance, and contract legally.
The process was fast, transparent, and fully MOHRE-approved. We had zero issues during inspection.”
— Shazia & Omar K., Ajman
🏁 Final Thoughts – Stay Compliant, Stay Confident
Following the mohre domestic worker rules 2025 is not just about avoiding fines — it’s about treating your maid or nanny fairly and lawfully.
Working with licensed agencies like INAYA Domestic Workers Ajman ensures every step — from contract to insurance — meets UAE legal standards.
Visit INAYA Domestic Workers Ajman today to explore verified, MOHRE-approved maid hiring packages designed for your household.
