Tools / Everyday
Interviewing a domestic worker or driver
Before you choose a domestic worker or driver: interview questions in Arabic and the applicant's language (English, Tagalog, Hindi, Amharic, Nepali, Sinhala, Indonesian, Bengali, Swahili), warning signs, and a summary of the Domestic Workers Law 9/2022 that governs the contract: 6-month probation, a weekly rest day, 12 hours' daily rest, 30 days' leave, a ticket every two years, and the passport stays with the worker.
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Source: Federal Decree-Law 9/2022 on domestic workers. Office refunds: MOHRE (secondary sources). Translations are simplified for understanding.
How to use it
- Pick the job (housemaid, nanny, cook, driver, home nurse) and the applicant's language.
- Print or show the questions in Arabic and their language side by side, and note the answers.
- Read both sides' rights from the law before signing, and make sure the contract is on the Ministry's form.
Questions
What matters most in the law?
Decree-Law 9/2022: no employment under 18. A contract on the Ministry's form for two years, probation up to 6 months. A paid weekly rest day and 12 hours' daily rest (8 continuous). 30 days' annual leave, 30 sick days (15 full pay then 15 half), a return ticket every two years. The employer provides housing, food and medical care or insurance, pays wages on time, takes no money from the worker, and the worker keeps their passport.
Does the office refund fees if it doesn't work out?
Licensed offices (replacing Tadbeer centres) give a two-year guarantee with a full or partial refund by remaining time, with refunds due within two weeks by law; no refund if you recruited the worker by name directly. The Ministry has fined offices for not refunding — keep the receipts.
Are the translations accurate?
Simplified translations for understanding at the interview, carefully reviewed but not official. For the contract itself use the Ministry's form in the worker's language.
Can I ask for a conduct certificate or a medical test?
The medical test is done through the office within 30 days before entry and on residency. Extra documents may be requested by mutual agreement, but holding the worker's passport or taking any money from them is not allowed.
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