Standard Employment Contract Between Foreign Domestic Worker And Employer Template for the United Arab Emirates

When hiring a foreign domestic worker in the United Arab Emirates, you must use a standardized employment contract that complies with UAE Federal Law No. 10 of 2017 on Domestic Workers. This mandatory legal document establishes the employment relationship between you as the employer and your domestic worker, ensuring both parties understand their rights and obligations under UAE law.

When do you need this document?

You need this contract whenever you hire a foreign domestic worker in the UAE, whether through a recruitment agency or direct hiring. The contract is required before applying for your worker's employment visa and residence permit through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). You must also use this document when transferring a domestic worker from another employer, renewing an existing employment relationship, or when MOHRE requires updated contract terms. The standardized format ensures compliance with UAE Cabinet Resolution No. 22 of 2019 and related regulations governing domestic worker employment.

Key legal considerations

Your contract must include specific mandatory clauses covering salary payment methods, working hours limitations, weekly rest periods, and annual leave entitlements as prescribed by UAE law. You must specify accommodation standards, medical insurance coverage, and end-of-service benefits calculations. The agreement should clearly outline probation period terms, termination procedures, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Pay particular attention to clauses regarding passport retention, which is prohibited under UAE law, and ensure the contract includes provisions for emergency contact information and repatriation procedures. Both parties must understand termination notice periods and circumstances allowing immediate contract termination.

Legal requirements in United Arab Emirates

UAE law requires all domestic worker contracts to be registered with MOHRE and use the government-approved template format. The contract must be written in both Arabic and the worker's native language or English, with the Arabic version taking legal precedence. You must ensure salary payments comply with minimum wage requirements and are made through approved banking channels for transparency. The agreement must include mandatory medical insurance coverage and specify accommodation standards meeting UAE housing regulations. Contract attestation may be required by relevant embassies or consulates depending on the worker's nationality. You must also ensure compliance with UAE Federal Law No. 6 of 1973 regarding foreign worker residence requirements and maintain proper documentation for labor inspection purposes.