The United Arab Emirates has officially set a minimum age of 18 for all domestic workers, making it illegal for any household to employ someone younger, according to a government statement.
Federal Decree Law No. 21 of 2023, which amends Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2022, governs the recruitment and employment of domestic workers across the country. The updated legislation explicitly prohibits employers from hiring anyone under 18, a rule that applies to all households nationwide.
Legal Framework and Worker Protections
The law is part of a broader legal framework designed to protect domestic workers' rights. It outlines the rights and duties of both employers and employees, while also listing specific prohibitions beyond the age restriction.
According to the official UAE government website, the legislation aims to define responsibilities in a balanced way, safeguard rights, and guarantee a suitable working environment. The UAE noted that the law aligns with both national legislation and international conventions the country has ratified.
The regulation applies broadly to anyone working in a domestic capacity within a UAE home, covering both recruitment and direct employment. The age threshold of 18 serves as a firm legal baseline that cannot be waived by either party, according to the statement.
Implications for Workers and Agencies
For prospective domestic workers and the agencies that place them, the minimum age requirement is a strict legal standard. No household may legally recruit or employ a domestic worker who has not reached 18 years of age.
The law's framing suggests the UAE is seeking to align its domestic labour standards with internationally recognised protections, particularly those concerning child labour. This move comes as part of ongoing efforts to regulate the domestic worker sector more comprehensively.
In a related development, the UAE government has also published the minimum monthly income foreigners must earn to qualify for a residency permit. The required income depends on accommodation, with applicants needing to meet a lower threshold when their employer provides housing and a higher threshold when they arrange accommodation themselves.
