Domestic workers are important in the daily lives of the population in the UAE, as many families employ them as cleaners and nannies. Starting from cleaning, cooking, and child and elder care, they also perform duties to help families cope with both career and family responsibilities. However, it must be recalled that, similar to other employees in organizations, domestic workers are also entitled to enjoy specific rights at their workplaces, in addition to bearing specific responsibilities. It is helpful for both employers and domestic workers to know these rights and responsibilities in order to foster mutual respect and appreciation in their working relationship.
Fair Compensation
Working in a home, domestic employees in the UAE are eligible to be paid reasonable salaries, and these should be discussed before the employee signs the contract. According to the UAE’s Domestic Workers Law, the employer shall provide the domestic worker with an agreed-upon wage and salary, free of any withholding or deductions except those agreed upon beforehand.
Proper Working Conditions
Domestic workers have the right to work in a safe environment. Employers have the responsibility to ensure that the workplace environment and conditions are suitable and protected against all kinds of violations or abuse. Food, shelter, and proper rest are essential components of a fair working environment.
Rest Days and Annual Leave
According to UAE law, domestic workers must be allowed to rest at least one day a week. Additionally, after one year of service, they are entitled to thirty days of annual leave with full pay. The law ensures that employers cannot interfere with these rest days and vacation rights of their employees.
Medical Care
Medical attention for any disease or body injury that the worker may contract while being employed is entitled to the necessary medical treatment clause. The laws of the United Arab Emirates also require employers to provide health insurance to domestic workers, as the insurance covers all individuals who live in the UAE.
Contractual Protection
Domestic workers must personally sign their employment contracts to formalize the agreement. These written contracts outline the working conditions, remuneration, and other terms agreed upon by both parties. This ensures both the worker and employer are legally protected.
The Role of Domestic Workers in the UAE
Performing Duties Professionally
Domestic workers are expected to effectively and competently perform all agreed-upon tasks, including washing dishes, preparing food, caring for children (if any), and looking after pets (if any). Every worker should strive to deliver their best in the performance of these duties. Services like maid service Dubai often emphasize professionalism and efficiency to meet household needs.
Protection of the Employer’s Family and Possessions
This means that domestic workers should respect the employer, their family, property, and privacy. Social standards should be set by employers on how employees should conduct themselves, fostering short and sweet interpersonal relationships.
Maintaining Communication
In an agreed human-resources-friendly workplace, domestic workers should be at liberty to seek their employer’s consent if they develop any sickness, experience changes in working conditions, or encounter anything concerning their contracts. Communication should be encouraged so that different concerns that may arise are addressed early enough.
Confidentiality
Employers should always have the assurance that their privacy is protected by the legal domestic workers they hire from reputable agencies. Policies on matters of professionalism are important, and workers should refrain from discussing family business or boasting about secrets.
The Relevant Policies and Procedures Used to Support Compliance with the Law Are as Follows:
- Compliance with the provisions of UAE labour laws regarding working hours, rest days, and leave provisions.
- Ensuring that the physical, legal, and personnel documentation (visa and work permit included) is properly sorted.
Conclusion
It is a fundamental fact that both employers and domestic workers in the UAE have certain responsibilities. Both parties are expected to savour and uphold each other’s rights to promote an efficient, reciprocal, and amiable working relationship. Employers should ensure they respect domestic workers, and domestic workers should also ensure they remain professional. The type of relationship developed in a business-to-business interaction is only cordial and fruitful when both partners understand their roles and responsibilities.