Applications for the UAE domestic worker visa have soared in 2024, with the market for trusted employees skyrocketing. As more investors make their way to the UAE for the fantastic investment potential, the need for nannies, housekeepers, babysitters, and more grows year on year.
UAE Domestic Worker Visas on the Rise
The latest statistics for domestic workers in the UAE show a massive surge, with a staggering 50% increase seen in some months between January 2024 and June of the same year. It is estimated that 96% of Emirati families, including expats hire domestic workers.
A lot of this potential has been seen with the UAE Golden Visa program opening to more individuals from around the world. No longer is the Golden Visa merely for those with the most money, it is now opening for the UAE to obtain the very best talents in all sectors, including science, the arts, and business.
Read our UAE Golden Visa Guide
Increase in Disposable Income
Not only is the UAE Golden Visa one of the driving forces for the significant surge in need for reliable domestic workers in the UAE, but the growing disposable income has had a significant impact.
The UAE Growth Domestic Profit (GDP) has grown from $349 billion in 2020 to $545 billion in 2024. Statistics are predicting a massive increase between 2024 and 2029, with the GDP rising to 712 billion in 2029. If predictions are correct, the disposable income in the UAE will only increase.
As more foreign nationals flock to the UAE for business opportunities, the need for reliable house help does too. This is seen particularly for families with small children.
Moving across the world is challenging enough, so having the opportunity to sponsor domestic workers that your children are accustomed to can be a significant stress reliever.
While there are 19 categories of domestic workers in the UAE, some of the main ones for households include:
- Cooks
- Housekeepers
- Family drivers
- Housemaids
- Nannies
- Babysitters
How to Sponsor a Housekeeper in the UAE
If you’re planning to move to the UAE and want to know how to sponsor your trusted helpers that keep your day-to-day life running smoothly, here is what you should know.
Sponsor eligibility criteria
While the UAE Golden Visa offers residence holders the opportunity to sponsor domestic workers, it is vital that they have a minimum monthly income of AED 25,000. The sponsor is also required to:
- Provide the worker with a contract specifying what is expected and the compensation.
- Ensure the worker meets the health requirements.
- Ensure the worker’s passport is valid.
Domestic worker criteria
Domestic workers must:
- Be over 18
- Pass the required medical fitness tests
- Have police clearance from their home country
- Have a valid passport
Rights for Sponsored Domestic Workers in the UAE
Sponsored domestic workers are entitled to the following from the sponsor:
- Appropriate accommodation
- Clothing and meals
- Adequate health insurance
- Timely compensation
- Adequate facilities for the domestic worker to perform their duties sufficiently.
- 30 days of paid annual leave
- One day of paid rest a week
- A round-trip air ticket to their home country every two years.
- Possession of their passports and ID at all times.
The Future of the UAE Domestic Helper Visa
While the need for domestic workers has grown, with no signs of this need subsiding, it’s important to understand the rights and regulations of all sponsored workers in the UAE.
The UAE Domestic Helper Visa is monitored closely, with all sponsored workers having adequate help and assistance when needed. At no time is any sponsored worker forced to stay with the sponsor family and domestic workers are required to always have sole possession of their passports and IDS.
The UAE government and MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation) are dedicated to ensuring the safety of all workers in the UAE. Every application and contract for work needs to go through MOHRE to ensure all regulations are met.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Sponsor Domestic Workers in the UAE
Who is eligible to sponsor a domestic worker in the UAE?
To sponsor a domestic worker, you must meet the minimum monthly salary requirements, be a citizen or resident of the UAE, and provide proof that you have a need for a domestic worker.
What documents are required to sponsor a domestic worker in the UAE?
The sponsor needs to provide their valid residence documents, a passport copy, and proof of income. The domestic worker needs to provide their passport, recent photos, and the signed employment contract from both parties.
Do I need to use an agency to sponsor a domestic worker?
No, you can sponsor a domestic worker as an individual. But you need to ensure that you meet all the requirements, including the required medical tests and a full application form.
Do I need to provide health insurance for domestic workers in the UAE?
Yes, it is up to the sponsor to provide appropriate health insurance for each domestic worker hired.
How long does the domestic worker visa last?
The domestic worker visa is generally granted for one year and needs to be renewed annually.
How long does it take to process the domestic worker visa in the UAE?
The domestic worker visa typically takes about two or three weeks to be approved, as long as all documents and forms are completed in full.
Can a domestic worker bring their family on the same visa?
No, domestic workers are not permitted to sponsor dependents.
