A senior Ministry of Labour official has urged householders to shun private domestic worker agencies, following a government deal with the Philippines to bring staff to the country under strict new contracts.
Tadbeer, which has locations across the UAE, is the only official channel for hiring domestic workers.
"This service will only be provided by the official channel for domestic workers – Tadbeer," said Abdullah Ali Al Nuaimi, assistant under-secretary at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
“Applying through official channels will help reduce costs and ensure that qualified and well-trained workers are hired.
"A two-year guarantee will also be provided," Mr Al Nuaimi said.
Legal recruitment of Filipino domestic workers – which the government of the Philippines stopped in 2014 after cases of ill-treatment were reported – will resume from April 1.
Among workers' rights protected by the new employment contract are: a minimum salary of $400 a month; one month's paid annual leave; and one paid day off a week.
Domestic workers must also be allowed access to a mobile phone and have eight hours of rest each day.
Passports and ID must remain in the employee's possession, under the contract.
