Domestic Workers Good-Conduct-Certificate Must to Enter UAE

Domestic workers of all nationalities will need a good-conduct certificate to enter the UAE. The ruling was announced by the labour minister during a virtual session of the Federal National Council.

Good Conduct Certificate for Domestic Helpers:

A trial with nannies and maids coming from Kenya is already under way. It will gradually be extended to domestic workers of other nationalities, who will be asked to obtain the certificate from their home country.

“A decision was issued from the Cabinet in this regard, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation is coordinating its application with the concerned parties,” said Nasser Al Hamli, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

“The measure has already been applied to Kenyan housemaids but it will come into force in phases.”

Link:Police Clearance Certificate Online

Link:Domestic Worker Rights

Link:Gratuity for Domestic Workers

The minister made the statement after he was questioned by Kifah Al Zaabi, an FNC member.

“There have been a number of crimes committed by foreign domestic workers due to psychological issues or criminal backgrounds. What is being done to check their criminal history and mental health?” asked Ms Al Zaabi.

Mental Health Screening:

As a preventive measure, housemaids will also be screened for mental health before taking up a job in the UAE.

“We agree this is very important and we included the mental health checks as a condition in international agreements signed recently,”

Mr Al Hamli said agreements have been signed with more than 13 countries including Philippines, Indonesia and 11 more to ensure the good health and psychological well-being of domestic workers before they come to the UAE.

In 2018, a maid was sentenced to death by the Sharjah Criminal Court for torturing and killing her employer’s 9 months old baby.

In 2015, a maid was also sentenced to death in Abu Dhabi after she killed her employer’s 4 month old child by smashing her head on a table.

Ms Al Zaabi said the numbers of such cases are low in UAE, “but considering our secure and stable society, even if such a crime occurs once every five years, it will have a big impact”. “We aim to reach zero crimes by domestic workers," she said.

Domestic Workers Profession List:

1.     Housemaid

2.     Private sailor

3.     Watchman

4.     Driver

5.     Security guard

6.     Babysitter/nanny

7.     Household shepherd

8.     Family chauffeur

9.     Parking valet workers

10. Household horse groomer

11. Household falcon care taker & trainer

12. Domestic laborers

13. Housekeeper

14. Private coach

15. Private teacher

16. Household farmer

17. Gardner

18. Private nurse

19. Cook

20. Private PRO

21. Private agriculture engineer