New UAE hiring fees ‘protect domestic staff’

Domestic workers will have more protection in the UAE after the introduction of new recruitment fees, according to the head of legal aid at the Philippine Embassy and Consulate.

The fees, announced yesterday by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, will be available in four packages from 11 Tadbeer centres.

Khalil Khouri, assistant undersecretary for assistive employment affairs, said the fees are part of the ministry’s desire to “provide packages at reasonable rates for the recruitment of domestic workers”.

Barney Almazar, director at Gulf Law and head of legal aid at the Philippine Embassy, said that while the new fees will be higher than at present, this should not be considered negatively because it will enshrine the rights of domestic workers.

“Migrant workers can be more confident that their rights will be protected. Sadly, a lot of the victims of illegal recruitment are domestic helpers,” Mr Almazar said. “We should put a premium on ensuring that our workers are safe and accorded the rights and benefits they deserve.”

He said the fees will help to enable domestic workers to perform their jobs while being culturally sensitive, especially in a household different from what they were used to in their own countries.

Another key aspect of the

fees, Mr Almazar said, is the availability of more options, including more flexible hourly and daily rates.

“This will address the illegal practice of part-time maids, who are the most vulnerable to abuse,” he said.

“Unscrupulous employers know part-time maids cannot fight back to claim what is owed to them because of their illegal status.”

The first package relates to recruitment of domestic workers from outside the country.

The fees for this package excludes visas and medical check-ups.

The second package relates to hiring domestic workers who are registered for six months. After this, they can work as resident workers for their employers or host families.

The workers must also pay a moving fee after the end of their contract.

The third package involves the temporary recruitment for two years. They will not be allowed to work as resident workers for employers or families after that.

The fourth package includes a flexible system for employers, who can hire workers based on their needs, whether hourly, daily or weekly.