The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has announced new residency rules governing support service workers hired by Emirati families, in implementation of the executive regulations of the Law on Support Service Workers issued by the UAE Cabinet, a Wam news agency report said.

 

Khalil Khoury, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation for Assistant Labour Affairs, stated that the new standards are based on studies on the cost of living and salaries of individuals and families that meet their basic needs, as well as their ability to fulfil their legal obligations and the rights of domestic workers, such as providing a decent working environment and appropriate healthcare.

 

Khoury said regulations specify a monthly income of Dh25,000 or more for a family, which can include the salaries of all employed family members and any allowances, such as housing allowance, as a condition of acceptance.

 

Khoury also pointed out that the regulations take into account patients with accredited medical coverage that require the presence of a worker to care for them and take care of their affairs, provided that relevant family members' or individuals have an income of over Dh15,000 per month.

 

He added that the "Tadbeer services centres'' provide families who do not meet the criteria with alternatives, which are two packages that guarantee qualified workers at a lower cost. The first package provides a worker registered with the centre to work for a contractual period, but they are not allowed to live in the employer's residence. The second package provides a registered worker to work on an hourly, daily or weekly basis.

 

The regulations also stipulate that workers’ contracts can be extended for two years, and the ministry obliges recruitment agencies who recruit workers or hire them temporarily to follow the law. If service centres or agencies are not up to standard, they must refund the full cost of recruitment or part of it to the employer, according to the remaining period of the employment contract, the report said.