UAE families told to avoid unlicensed agencies when hiring domestic workers

Tadbeer, which has offices across the country, is the only official channel to hire household staff

In March 2021, the country's labour ministry said it would close all of the privately-run recruitment agencies that hire and supply domestic workers to tackle abuse in the industry. Instead, government-run centres will handle all applications and hiring for families. Pawan Singh / The National

Officials said there would be an exception for agencies based in the country's economic freezones, which have their own rules and regulators. It was not clear if there are many maid agencies based there, nor whether those facing closure could move to a freezone. Pawan Singh / The National

A nanny looks after a girl as she plays in a park in Dubai. In the Gulf, the low cost of labour and the financial need for both parents to work full-time mean live-in maids and nannies are very common. Jaime Puebla / The National

Nannies take a first aid in Dubai that focused on children and babies. Jeff Topping / The National

Two nannies accompany a family at Dubai Mall. It is estimated that at least tens of thousands of people in the UAE are employed as domestic workers. Pawan Singh / The National

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.