New guide addresses mental health of domestic workers
Government departments work in tandem to define rights and duties
The DCD will continuously collaborate with its strategic partners to improve the ecosystem of the social sector.”
Dr Layla Alhyas | Exec. director, Community Development Sector, DCD
Anew guide launched by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) addresses the mental health of domestic workers in the UAE.
The Department of Community Development (DCD), Abu Dhabi, contributed to developing the Domestic Worker’s Guide. The chapter on mental health for the guide provides information on mental health and the variables impacting and enhancing domestic workers’ quality of life.
In addition to the rights, benefits, and obligations of domestic workers, the guide also emphasises the significance of implementing practices that enhance mental wellness of all community members, including domestic workers, further ensuring a positive impact on both physical and mental health.
The DCD assisted in developing the chapter on mental health in the guide.
The Domestic Workers’ Guide discusses a variety of topics in this category, such as workload, adjusting to a new location and culture, and spending enough time with friends.
Key subjects
The Guide also emphasises a number of key subjects in this regard, including financial management, working hours, and the significance of enough rest for enhancing both physical and mental health.
Furthermore, the Guide offers guidance on how to properly address all relevant issues and offers strategies for controlling life stress through self-care, such as adopting a healthy diet, working out when you have free time, scheduling downtime, practising deep breathing, turning to spirituality, and engaging in activities with family, among others, that can enhance the quality of life.
Dr Layla Alhyas, executive director of the Community Development Sector, DCD, said: “The DCD will continuously collaborate with its strategic partners to improve the ecosystem of the social sector and implement programmes and services that are specifically designed to meet the needs of community members and provide them the necessary support to effectively handle mental stress. The ongoing initiatives by DCD and efforts to support mental health are consistent with the Department’s responsibility to deliver high-quality services to all community segments in order to ensure the social welfare of the Abu Dhabi community.”
The Domestic Workers’ Guide discusses a variety of topics, such as workload and adjusting to a new location and culture among others.
Community engagement
Alhyas stated that DCD is committed to fostering effective community engagement in development and assuring the community’s sustainable growth through the adoption of longterm strategic plans and the promotion of positive change in an effort to overcome all challenges.
Abdullah Al Nuaimi, assistant undersecretary for Domestic Workers’ Sector, MoHRE, lauded the efforts and dedication of DCD in contributing to the Guide’s success. He further highlighted the significance of collaboration between entities involved in the social sector to foster a better business environment in the UAE and enhancing the domestic workers’s quality of life as they are also an important part of the community.