Question: We are soon to move from Dubai to Saudi Arabia for my husband’s work. Our domestic helper will not be coming with us, so I want to employ someone in Saudi Arabia to assist with my three children.
I have been told there are no laws in place to protect helpers, and a friend says they all work every single day without a break.
I would like to give my domestic helper a typical working schedule with a day off each week, but am worried about expectations. What are the laws? SS, Dubai
Answer: Saudi Arabia has laws in place to protect domestic staff and these were clarified and updated in October 2023.
The law says that the helper must be a minimum of 21 years of age. Contracts must be written to a template issued by the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources with dates according to the Gregorian calendar for clarity. A probation period of no more than 90 days is required, and payment to domestic workers must be given priority.
The employer/sponsor must not retain the domestic worker's passport. They must also provide suitable accommodation and food and bear all costs of employing the worker.
In addition, the maximum daily working hours are set at 10, with the employee entitled to a full 24 hours of rest each week, meaning a full day off.
These terms are being enforced and any contract that contradicts the government rules to the detriment of the employee will be considered invalid.
If the laws are broken, a complaint can be made to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Penalties are listed for an employer who contravenes the rules, and includes fines and a ban on employing other domestic staff.
Q: I have two credit cards but am behind with my payments as my employer is late in paying me.
I have filed a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation but that has not been settled, so I am awaiting payment.
I have left the job and returned home to the Philippines. I have been offered a new job but will I have problems on my return to the UAE?
Once I start working again, I will be able to make the credit card payment. MS, Philippines
A: When a person has missed payments on a credit card, they are in breach of the terms and conditions that they agreed to while taking it out. The bank will be chasing for the overdue payments, but they cannot take any legal action until three months of payments have been missed.
MS has not advised if he has been in touch with the bank to explain the situation, which is a recommended course of action.
Any amount that can be paid, even if not the full minimum monthly amount, is a good idea and shows goodwill.
Once three months of repayments have been missed, the bank is permitted to take further action and can register a police case against the individual.
They can also request a travel ban and that will mean that if MS arrives at a UAE airport, he will be detained at immigration.
He will need to check whether any action has been taken before flying. He should contact the bank to ask and start a discussion about repayment.
If MS was resident in Dubai, he can check through the Dubai Police app and will require his Emirates ID card number to do so.
If he was resident in Abu Dhabi, he can check using the Estafar facility on the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department website.
The alternative option, and for other emirates, is to check through the Public Prosecution website.
While credit cards are useful, they should not be used to supplement a lifestyle, although I appreciate the difficulties when an employer fails to meet their obligations. Ideally, people should repay cards in full as soon as possible to avoid issues.
If the confirmed public holiday falls on a day when an employee is not scheduled to work, they are not entitled to a day off in lieu
Keren Bobker,
senior partner, Holborn Assets
Q: What is the law about public holidays that fall on a person’s day off? Can they have a day off in lieu?
My usual days off are Sunday and Monday, so I feel I have missed out. RB, Abu Dhabi
A: The UAE has a number of fixed public holidays that fall on specific dates, as well as some that are subject to moon sightings, so the dates vary each year.
If the confirmed public holiday falls on a day when an employee is not scheduled to work, they are not entitled to a day off in lieu. It can be unfortunate when this happens, but the days tend to average out over time.
The only time an employee is entitled to time off in lieu is if they are asked to work on a public holiday that is their normal working day.
Keren Bobker is an independent financial adviser and senior partner with Holborn Assets in Dubai, with more than 30 years’ experience. Contact her at keren@holbornassets.comor at www.financialuae.com
The advice provided in our columns does not constitute legal advice and is provided for information only
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Black Panther
Dir: Ryan Coogler
Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o
Five stars
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
ELECTION%20RESULTS
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More on Quran memorisation:
Guide to intelligent investing
Investing success often hinges on discipline and perspective. As markets fluctuate, remember these guiding principles:
- Stay invested: Time in the market, not timing the market, is critical to long-term gains.
- Rational thinking: Breathe and avoid emotional decision-making; let logic and planning guide your actions.
- Strategic patience: Understand why you’re investing and allow time for your strategies to unfold.
Company%20Profile
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Moonfall
Director: Rolan Emmerich
Stars: Patrick Wilson, Halle Berry
Rating: 3/5
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
'Unrivaled: Why America Will Remain the World’s Sole Superpower'
Michael Beckley, Cornell Press
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
Honeymoonish
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The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
UAE Team Emirates
Valerio Conti (ITA)
Alessandro Covi (ITA)
Joe Dombrowski (USA)
Davide Formolo (ITA)
Fernando Gaviria (COL)
Sebastian Molano (COL)
Maximiliano Richeze (ARG)
Diego Ulissi (ITAS)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets