In March 2021, the country's labour ministry said it would close all of the privately-run recruitment agencies that hire and supply domestic workers to tackle abuse in the industry. Instead, government-run centres will handle all applications and hiring for families. Pawan Singh / The National
In March 2021, the country's labour ministry said it would close all of the privately-run recruitment agencies that hire and supply domestic workers to tackle abuse in the industry. Instead, government-run centres will handle all applications and hiring for families. Pawan Singh / The National
Officials said there would be an exception for agencies based in the country's economic freezones, which have their own rules and regulators. It was not clear if there are many maid agencies based there, nor whether those facing closure could move to a freezone. Pawan Singh / The National
Officials said there would be an exception for agencies based in the country's economic freezones, which have their own rules and regulators. It was not clear if there are many maid agencies based there, nor whether those facing closure could move to a freezone. Pawan Singh / The National
A nanny looks after a girl as she plays in a park in Dubai. In the Gulf, the low cost of labour and the financial need for both parents to work full-time mean live-in maids and nannies are very common. Jaime Puebla / The National
A nanny looks after a girl as she plays in a park in Dubai. In the Gulf, the low cost of labour and the financial need for both parents to work full-time mean live-in maids and nannies are very common. Jaime Puebla / The National
Nannies take a first aid in Dubai that focused on children and babies. Jeff Topping / The National
Nannies take a first aid in Dubai that focused on children and babies. Jeff Topping / The National
Two nannies accompany a family at Dubai Mall. It is estimated that at least tens of thousands of people in the UAE are employed as domestic workers. Pawan Singh / The National
Two nannies accompany a family at Dubai Mall. It is estimated that at least tens of thousands of people in the UAE are employed as domestic workers. Pawan Singh / The National

Government

UAE families told to avoid unlicensed agencies when hiring domestic workers

Tadbeer, which has offices across the country, is the only official channel to hire household staff

Salam Al Amir
Salam Al Amir

March 07, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

A senior Ministry of Labour official has urged householders to shun private domestic worker agencies, following a government deal with the Philippines to bring staff to the country under strict new contracts.

Tadbeer, which has locations across the UAE, is the only official channel for hiring domestic workers.

"This service will only be provided by the official channel for domestic workers – Tadbeer," said Abdullah Ali  Al Nuaimi, assistant under-secretary at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

“Applying through official channels will help reduce costs and ensure that qualified and well-trained workers are hired.

"A two-year guarantee will also be provided," Mr Al Nuaimi said.

Read More

How the UAE-Philippines labour agreement will protect domestic workers

Filipina maid describes mistreatment after being hired by unscrupulous agency

Legal recruitment of Filipino domestic workers – which the government of the Philippines stopped in 2014 after cases of ill-treatment were reported – will resume from April 1.

Among workers' rights protected by the new employment contract are: a minimum salary of $400 a month; one month's paid annual leave; and one paid day off a week.

Domestic workers must also be allowed access to a mobile phone and have eight hours of rest each day.

Passports and ID must remain in the employee's possession, under the contract.

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The biog

Name: Dhabia Khalifa AlQubaisi

Age: 23

How she spends spare time: Playing with cats at the clinic and feeding them

Inspiration: My father. He’s a hard working man who has been through a lot to provide us with everything we need

Favourite book: Attitude, emotions and the psychology of cats by Dr Nicholes Dodman

Favourit film: 101 Dalmatians - it remind me of my childhood and began my love of dogs 

Word of advice: By being patient, good things will come and by staying positive you’ll have the will to continue to love what you're doing

About Krews

Founder: Ahmed Al Qubaisi

Based: Abu Dhabi

Founded: January 2019

Number of employees: 10

Sector: Technology/Social media 

Funding to date: Estimated $300,000 from Hub71 in-kind support

 

The specs: 2018 Opel Mokka X

Price, as tested: Dh84,000

Engine: 1.4L, four-cylinder turbo

Transmission: Six-speed auto

Power: 142hp at 4,900rpm

Torque: 200Nm at 1,850rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L / 100km

The biog

Place of birth: Kalba

Family: Mother of eight children and has 10 grandchildren

Favourite traditional dish: Al Harees, a slow cooked porridge-like dish made from boiled cracked or coarsely ground wheat mixed with meat or chicken

Favourite book: My early life by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah

Favourite quote: By Sheikh Zayed, the UAE's Founding Father, “Those who have no past will have no present or future.”

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