ع
The UAE’s official government platform has released a list of 19 occupations that fall under the domestic workers category, according to Khaleej Times. The announcement on September 5, 2026, provides clarity on the scope of protections and regulations that apply to these roles under existing federal legislation. Khaleej Times reported that authorities continue to direct employers to use only recruitment agencies licensed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation for hiring in these positions.
According to the government platform u.ae, the 19 occupations are housemaid, sailor, guard, shepherd, jockey, tamer, falcon caretaker, worker, housekeeper, cook, nanny or babysitter, farm worker or grower, gardener, personal trainer or coach, private tutor, home nurse, personal assistant, private agricultural engineer, and personal or family driver. The platform noted that the list draws from earlier legislation, including Federal Law No. 10 of 2017 on domestic workers, which contained a comparable set of roles. A Cabinet resolution in 2022 updated the executive regulations to accompany the latest decree.
Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022 establishes rules on informed consent, according to the official platform. The law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, colour, gender, religion or political opinion and bars the employment of anyone younger than 18. It applies uniformly across all listed occupations, the decree states.
Domestic workers under the law are entitled to a paid weekly rest day, with an alternative day or equivalent pay if they work on that day, the government platform reported. They also receive at least 30 days of paid annual leave, 30 days of sick leave annually, and a round-trip air ticket to their home country every two years. The regulations further require 12 hours of daily rest, including eight consecutive hours.
Employers must ensure timely payment of wages within 10 days of the due date, the decree specifies. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation mediates complaints, and unresolved cases are referred to court, Khaleej Times said. Non-compliance with recruitment or employment rules can lead to significant penalties under the legislation.
The 2022 law builds on the 2017 framework by detailing obligations for both parties, a review of UAE federal legislation found. Recruitment agencies must verify worker fitness, provide information on contract terms, and ensure suitable conditions before employment begins. The platform lists approved domestic worker service centres that operate under ministry oversight.
