Can I Hire a Part-Time Maid Who Says She Has Her Own UAE Visa?
When looking for a maid, it can be
confusing to know where to start and how to hire someone you can trust. Many
people approach part-time maids who say they have their own UAE visa, which
often leads to the question: Is it legal to hire them?
Visa Rules for Domestic
Workers in UAE
The employment
of domestic workers, such as maids, nannies, housekeepers, and other household
workers, is strictly regulated by the Ministry of Human Resources and
Emiratisation (MOHRE). Under these regulations, holding a UAE residence visa
alone does not allow an individual to work as a domestic helper. To be legally
employed in a private household, domestic workers must get a
sponsored visa and complete registration through an authorised
system.
The issue is
that when most individuals claim to have their own visa are usually sponsored
by a spouse, family member, or another employer. In such cases, working as a
maid for you is generally not permitted under the terms of their visa.
So, it's important to understand the legal
requirements when hiring a domestic worker, or you could face significant
penalties.
Why Do Families Opt for Hiring
Domestic Workers Who Have Their Own Visa?
Despite the legal restrictions, some
families continue this practice for perceived benefits:
Cost Savings:
Families can avoid sponsorship-related expenses like visa fees, medical
insurance, and agency charges.
●
Flexibility: Hiring someone who claims to have their own visa is often seen as
offering more flexible working hours, short-term arrangements, or part-time
schedules without long-term commitment.
●
Ease of Access: With many workers advertising their services on social media
platforms, online groups and communities, families can quickly find domestic
help without going through formal recruitment channels.
●
Fast Hiring: The hiring process will be so quick without waiting for paperwork,
approvals, or processing times.
However, while
these reasons may seem practical, hiring a part-time maid with her own UAE visa
is against UAE labour and immigration laws. On the official website of MOHRE, employers are
cautioned against hiring illegal Domestic Helpers.
Legal part-time maids must be hired only on an ad
hoc basis (hourly, weekly, or monthly) through a licensed online portal only.
What appears to be a simple and cost-effective solution can result in serious
legal consequences for both the family and the worker involved. Choosing a
legal and regulated option remains always the safest and most responsible way
to hire domestic help in the UAE.
Pros and Cons of Domestic
Workers without Legal Sponsorship
From a
domestic worker’s point of view, holding a personal visa may seem advantageous.
It can offer a sense of independence, allowing them to work for multiple
households, negotiate their own rates, or choose flexible schedules. The social
media platforms have further expanded these opportunities by making it easier
for workers to promote their services and connect directly with families.
However, this flexibility comes with
significant risks. Working without the required permits places domestic workers
in constant danger of fines, visa cancellation, or deportation. In addition,
the absence of a formal employment arrangement means they are not protected by
labour regulations, leaving them exposed to exploitation, delayed payments, or
unfair treatment with little legal recourse.
What are the fines and
penalties?
Fines of up to AED 200,000
Hiring
Domestic Workers on "own visa" risks hefty penalties, ranging from
AED 50,000 to an eye-watering AED 200,000, depending on the case.
Risks of no legal protection in the UAE
UAE Labour Law
and UAE Domestic Labour Law are in place to protect both the employer's and the
worker's rights. The legal protections and rights under these laws may not
apply to employers who engage maids on illegal visas, or to Domestic Workers
who choose to violate local law without proper sponsorship.
Both parties risk having no legal
protection in the UAE and may even face deportation, depending on the severity
of the law violation. For families seeking part-time help, hiring through a
domestic worker job portal and proceeding the legal formalities through
authorized Tadbeer centers is the safest and most lawful option.
Important Steps to Take When
Hiring Domestic Help
Once you choose a legal hiring route, it is
important to follow these steps to ensure a smooth and successful arrangement.
Lay out your needs
Outline your
household requirements before hiring candidates so both parties have a clear
understanding of the role.
Consider
factors such as:
●
Whether childcare is required
and to what extent
●
The size of your home
●
The specific duties and
responsibilities expected
Meet Candidates
Finally, interview a candidate before
hiring them. This can ideally be done in person or via video call so you can
understand the individual’s attitude and personality. Remember to come up with
clear questions you would like to ask.
Set Clear Limits
Each home and family is different, so you
cannot expect a maid to know what is acceptable in your home. You should
consider and explain the rules to a worker before they start their duty.
Final Thought
While hiring a part-time maid who claims to have her own UAE visa may appear convenient and cost-effective, it comes with serious legal and financial risks for both families and workers. UAE laws are very clear. Domestic workers must be hired through approved and regulated channels to ensure compliance, safety, and fairness. Choosing a licensed domestic worker portal for shortlisting candidates and approaching authorised Tadbeer centers for legal sponsorship not only protects you from heavy fines and legal consequences but also ensures ethical treatment and proper rights for the worker. In the long run, following the legal route provides peace of mind, stability, and a trusted household support system, making it the smartest and most responsible choice in the UAE.
