Domestic help hiring plan offers more safeguards

Latest UAE initiative that makes recruiting simple and secure will help workers and employers

The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has announced fixed-price packages to make it easier to hire domestic workers. The new initiative has brought huge relief to residents as they now do not have to run from pillar to post to recruit a suitable domestic help. The move will also help eliminate the practice of hiring illegal housemaids, who are vulnerable to abuse and will also put an end to trafficking cases involving maids. The ministry promises top-class services by launching dedicated Tadbeer Centres — a joint public-private sector venture — responsible for providing domestic workers.

The rights of both domestic workers and their employers will have more protection as Tadbeer Centres will also handle all issues and complaints pertaining to services of domestic workers. Tadbeer Centres are designed to provide single-window operations, including fixing of monthly salaries and all matters related to licensing, ID and other relevant paperwork. The centres will also provide services to hire private sailors, watchmen, shepherds, drivers, horse groomers, domestic labourers, housekeepers, private coaches, private teachers, babysitters, private nurses, private public relations officers and gardeners.

The four packages announced by the ministry offer employers the option of either recruiting maids full-time or hiring them for specific jobs. The option to hire maids on hourly, daily, weekly and monthly basis will offer greater flexibility to employers. Though the fees are a bit high for these flexible services, they will cause less stress and offer wider options to recruit housemaids of one’s choice. It is important that the ministry closely watches the working of Tadbeer Centres to ensure smooth services for residents and protect domestic workers from exploitation.