For many households, domestic workers are considered essential for the proper functioning of the family. Generally, they are responsible for taking care of the children, and the household, and performing many essential household chores. In addition, on many occasions, they tend to consider themselves members of the family. Therefore, if you decide to move to the UAE with your domestic worker it is important to ensure that you have the required documentation. For instance, the Dubai maid visa.
In this article, you will have a guide on the process of obtaining a Dubai maid visa. It is common knowledge that requesting and obtaining this document can be overwhelming. Especially, if the steps are not followed or followed correctly. Information such as costs, eligibility criteria, and required documents will be taken into account so that your maid can have legal status in Dubai.
1. Do you know what it is and what are the benefits of the maid visa in Dubai?
The maid visa in Dubai is a visa that will allow those who are residents of the UAE to sponsor their domestic workers. You can find this visa is also called the Dubai nanny visa or domestic worker visa. In addition, this maid visa in Dubai will be valid for two years.
For this visa, the sponsor will need to renew it every year to keep the same maid employed. In addition, the employer must also cancel the visa after a specific time, which is generally after 4 years. In this way, the domestic employee must leave the UAE for at least 6 months before she reapplies for a new visa.
1.1 Benefits of having a maid in Dubai
You can find many benefits of having a maid in Dubai. In this way, you first find that you will be able to free up your time in a meaningful way. Also, if you have small children, the maid can help you take care of them while you are working.
In addition, you can find other benefits that maids in Dubai provide and we will see them below:
1.1.1 You will be able to dedicate more time to your work
If you are a person who has a full-time job, having a maid will give you more time to focus on your career and work. Plus, you will not have to worry about coming home to find it messy or having to make dinner after a long day at work.
1.1.2 Have a good relationship
Having a good relationship with your maid will make her practically one more member of the family in your home. This way, you will be greatly benefited if you have small children, as you will be able to bond with them. The maid’s visa Dubai can help you consistently maintain your household chores.
1.1.3 It is legally permitted
Hiring domestic workers in Dubai is completely legal. However, this will happen as long as you have the proper documentation and the visa application has been completed correctly. In addition, with this visa, you can also sponsor your maid’s family.
It is important if you are not familiar with this procedure, contact companies that offer visa services. In this way, you will be able to receive help with any procedure regarding visas in Dubai.
1.1.4 Generates employment
Many people are looking for Dubai because it is the best center for doing business. However, hiring a maid is a form of business as it helps create employment in Dubai. This is very important during economic downturns where jobs are scarce.
2. Learn what are the eligibility criteria for the maid visa UAE
In case you want to hire a full-time maid in Dubai with own visa; Specific requirements must be met by both the employee and the employer. It is important to comply with all these criteria and requirements to avoid any complicated situation for the employer and the domestic employee with the authorities. In this section, you will see all the criteria that must be met.
2.1 Eligibility in obtaining a Dubai maid visa for sponsors
For an employer to apply for a Dubai maid visa; you should know that the authorities evaluate certain factors before granting the document. Among them, is the residence of the sponsor, financial stability, and solvency. Next, you will see these details in detail.
2.1.1 Employer’s residence
To be a sponsor of a Dubai maid visa, you must have a residence visa that is valid in the UAE. People who can apply for this long-stay permit are Emirati citizens and foreigners with a business visa or green visa. It is important to note that this residence permit must be valid during the time of the sponsorship.
2.1.2 Income or wages
Anyone who wishes to be a sponsor of the Dubai maid visa; must provide proof of financing that demonstrates that you have the financial means to hire a domestic worker. To do this, you can go to the international bank where you have your bank account and request a document that shows your monthly movements. The employer must meet a minimum monthly income threshold.
The government in the UAE is in charge of making periodic reviews of the monthly income of the people who apply for this visa. Currently, it needs to be 6,000 AED per month. However, if the domestic worker is housed by the employer, the amount decreases to AED 5,000. On the other hand, the recommended monthly amount available regardless of the situation you choose should be at least AED 10,000.
2.1.3 Financial stability
Not only do you have to show proof of finances, but you also have to show that you have financial stability. Generally, they require you to have a full-time job in prestigious private companies or government entities.
People who have decided to reap the benefits of opening their own business in Dubai can also apply. They must only present transaction records and financial statements of at least the last 90 days.
2.1.4 Accommodation or place of stay
The employer must demonstrate that it has adequate accommodation for the domestic worker. That is, the domestic employee must have a separate room within the residence. In addition, the authority requires that the residence, whether owned or rented, must have a minimum of two rooms.
2.2 Eligibility for Domestic Employees
The domestic worker who is in hiring aspirations must meet some requirements. Below are the eligibility criteria for the Dubai maid visa.
2.2.1 Country of origin
The authorities in the UAE and Dubai over time have signed some contracts of understanding with the governments of other countries or memorandums of understanding. MoUs are characterized as agreements between governments or G2G. Taking this into account, it is only allowed to hire maids who are citizens of one of these countries. For instance, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
2.2.2 Minimum wage
Within the requirements established in the G2G agreements with the Dubai authorities; they specify the minimum wage that the sponsor must pay the domestic worker. Depending on the nationality of the domestic worker, her salary varies. For example, if you are of Indian nationality the minimum wage should be 1100AED. But, if he is from Bangladesh his minimum salary is 750AED.
2.2.3 Age of the domestic worker
Finally, the last requirement established by the G2G agreements is regarding the age of the domestic employee. Generally, the employee is required to be at least 18 years of age or older.
2.3 Employment contract requirements
To finish with the eligibility criteria, mention should be made of the clauses that all employment contracts for maids must comply with. You should know that the authorities in Dubai will be attentive to ensure that all the requirements are in the treaty. Next, you will see the requirements that the employment contract must meet.
2.3.1 Payment period
The employer or sponsor must pay the monthly salary of the domestic employee, in a period of ten days after the expiration date.
2.3.2 Hours of employment
Every employment contract must mention the daily working hours of the domestic employee. Which cannot exceed 12 hours.
2.3.3 Paid rest hours
The domestic worker must be allowed 12 hours of rest per day. In addition, a minimum of 8 hours of continuous rest must be included.
2.3.4 Airplane ticket
Every two years, the employer must provide some tickets so that the servant can visit her country of origin.
2.3.5 Food and accommodation
The domestic worker must be provided with the minimum comforts of meals and lodging. That is a balanced meal every day, uniform or work clothes, and a room of their own set aside for proper rest.
2.3.6 Others
Other additional clauses are related to the vacations to which the domestic employee is entitled. Not only that but also related to medical insurance and the processing of documents to apply for the Dubai maid visa. In addition, they must be treated cordially, they cannot be abused in any area; since that is punishable by law.
3. Step-by-step guide on how to apply for a maids visa
Once you meet all the eligibility criteria and the requirements mentioned above; you can start the obtaining process.
3.1 Document delivery
- Form making the request, which must be filled out in an authorized service center that will place its official seal. It will be provided to you by the GDRFA – Dubai.
Employers must deliver:
- Photocopy of the passport of the applicant and his wife.
- Copy of the employer’s residence visa
- A photocopy of the Ejari contract or lease.
- Emirates ID.
- Other documents that prove the financial stability of the sponsor.
Domestic employees only have to submit three passport-size photographs, a copy of their passport, and a no-objection document from their country of origin.
3.2 Obtaining process
Once you have all the documents, the GDRFAD will process your application. You will have to pay some tariffs so that the entry permit is granted to the maid. When you are in the country you must undergo certain medical examinations and you must be provided with health insurance. You have 1 month to complete this step.
If you already have all the exams, all you have to do is request an appointment on the GDRFAD website and go to the indicated office to complete the process.
4. Do you know what the maid visa costs in Dubai?
You can find that the cost of a maid visa in Dubai will be approximately AED 14,000 and AED 18,000. However, this will depend on the circumstances. Among the costs we find are:
- Application fees which cost approximately AED 6,000.
- Typing center fees.
- A visa stamping.
- An elaboration of an employment contract.
- Biometric rates.
- Applicable cancellation and renewal fees.
- Health insurance.
- Fees for the application for the Worker ID and Emirates ID.
5. Who can help you throughout the process of obtaining or renewing the Dubai maid visa?
If you are looking for how to obtain or carry out the maid visa renewal in Dubai; You must have the help of professional advisers on the subject. In case you are wondering who can help you with all these procedures, your best option is Connect Middle East.
We are a company that has provided immigration services and many others with success in the procedures to various people. If you want to be part of this group of people, you just have to call us at +971 43 316 688. You can also contact us through the following email info@connectme.ae.