Domestic workers over 60 can now continue working in the UAE

The overhaul of the country's visa regime continues

Many domestic workers have worked for the same family for decades. Pawan Singh / The National

Domestic workers over the age of 60 can now continue working in the UAE.

The move on Saturday is part of an ongoing overhaul of residency rules that has seen the introduction of permanent residency and retirement visas.

Domestic workers, meanwhile, must meet three conditions to continue working in the UAE beyond the age of 60.

They must pass a medical exam, have medical coverage from their sponsor and get official approval from the Government, according to the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

"This step stems from the ministry's keenness to meet the needs of the employers and households wishing to keep their domestic helpers for longer periods and who are certain their performance is not affected by age," said Khalil Khouri, the ministry's under secretary for domestic workers' affairs.

Sixty has long been seen as the traditional cut off point for expat workers, though visas can still be acquired for over 60s, particularly professionals, and residents can also sponsor older parents.

The Cabinet has introduced permanent residency, five-year renewable retirement visas for residents over 55 and 10-year visas for doctors, engineers and their families.

People are urged to visit the ministry's website for more information on the latest changes.