UAE Domestic Worker Visa – How to Obtain a UAE Domestic Worker Visa. If you’re planning to hire a domestic worker in the UAE, securing a domestic worker visa is essential. The process involves several key steps, from opening a sponsor file to obtaining the final residency visa.
What is UAE Domestic Worker Visa?
A UAE Domestic Worker Visa allows employers to legally hire and sponsor domestic workers, such as maids or nannies, in the UAE. It involves signing an employment contract, providing medical insurance, and ensuring the worker meets legal requirements. The visa is valid for one to two years, depending on nationality
Requirements for a UAE Domestic Worker Visa
Obtaining a UAE Domestic Worker Visa involves meeting specific requirements to ensure compliance with the country’s legal and regulatory framework. Below is a comprehensive list of the key requirements:
1. Eligibility of the Sponsor
- Residency: The sponsor must be a UAE resident or citizen.
- Income: The sponsor must meet a minimum salary requirement, typically around AED 25,000 per month, though this may vary depending on the emirate.
- Housing: Adequate accommodation must be provided for the domestic worker.
- No Criminal Record: The sponsor should have a clean criminal record.
2. Documents Required from the Sponsor
- Passport Copy: A clear copy of the sponsor’s passport.
- Emirates ID: A copy of the sponsor’s valid Emirates ID.
- Residential Tenancy Contract (Ejari): Proof of residence showing adequate accommodation.
- Salary Certificate: A certificate from the employer or a copy of the sponsor’s trade license, if self-employed.
- Affidavit of No Objection: In some cases, an affidavit of no objection from the sponsor’s employer may be required.
3. Documents Required from the Domestic Worker
- Passport Copy: A valid passport with at least six months of validity.
- Passport-Sized Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs of the worker.
- Health Fitness Certificate: A medical fitness certificate from an approved government health center in the UAE.
- Educational Certificates: If applicable, copies of any educational certificates or qualifications.
- Previous Visa Copies: If the worker has previously held a UAE visa, copies of those visas are required.
How to Obtain a UAE Domestic Worker Visa
Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process efficiently.
Step 1: Opening a Sponsor File
The first step in obtaining a domestic worker visa in Dubai is to open a sponsor file. This is mandatory if you have not previously sponsored another dependent or maid. Once you submit the application, approval typically takes 24 hours, and you’ll receive a notification via SMS.
Important Note: Ensure all your documents are in order, as delays in this step can affect subsequent steps in the process.
Step 2: Applying for an Entry Permit
Once your sponsor file is approved, the next step is to apply for an entry permit for your domestic worker. This process includes a deposit of AED 2,000 for expatriates, and you will need your IBAN number for the deposit refund.
- Inside UAE: If the worker is currently in the UAE on a visit or has a cancelled visa status, you can proceed directly after receiving approval via SMS.
- Outside UAE: If the worker is outside the country, they will need to enter the UAE on an employment visa, which at this stage is referred to as an entry visa. Approval notifications will be sent via SMS.
Note: After receiving approval, proceed to the next step.
Step 3: Change of Status
After the entry permit is approved, you must change the worker’s visa status. This step is crucial if the worker is already in the UAE.
- Validity: You have up to 60 days from the date of issuance of the Change of Status document to complete the residency visa application. Failing to do so within this period will render your application invalid.
- Notification: You will receive a notification via email from the Ministry of Interior (MOI) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
Important Note: The domestic worker cannot leave the country until the residence visa has been stamped. In emergencies, the entry permit application can be canceled to allow the worker to exit the country.
Step 4: Medical Fitness Test
All domestic workers must pass a medical fitness test as per UAE law before a residence visa can be issued. The test must be conducted at approved government health centers, and the typing process must be completed before the test.
- Validity: The medical fitness certificate is valid for 90 days.
Important Note: Ensure that the medical examination is done promptly, as any delay could affect the visa application timeline.
Step 5: Emirates ID Application
An Emirates ID is required to approve the residence visa. If this is the first time the worker is applying, they must complete biometric verification.
Validity:
- Local (Emirati): 2 years
- Expat: 1 year
- GCC: 2 years
Important Note: Biometrics for new applicants must be completed within 10 days from the time the Emirates ID application is generated; otherwise, the application will be invalid.
Step 6: Medical Insurance
Medical insurance is mandatory for all domestic workers in the UAE. The policy is issued after the labor contract is signed, the worker is declared medically fit, and the Emirates ID typing is submitted.
Note: Ensure that the insurance policy aligns with the requirements set by UAE authorities.
Step 7: Employment Contract
According to the New Domestic Workers Law 10/2017, an employment contract must be signed. For new visa applications, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) employment contract must be printed and signed.
Important Note: If you hold an older contract, you may need to update it according to current regulations.
Step 8: Residency Visa Application
The final step in obtaining a domestic worker visa is to apply for the residency visa. Once approved, the residence visa stamp or sticker will be placed in the worker’s passport.
Validity
- Local (Emirati): 2 years
- Expat: 1 year
- GCC: 2 years
UAE Domestic Worker Visa Cost
AED 5,000 to AED 7,000 can be charged for this service. The price includes the access permit, the adjustment of status, proof of medical capacity, Emirates ID, and visa stamping. Another expense employers need to consider is a refundable deposit.
UAE Domestic Worker Visa Processing Time
The UAE domestic worker visa typically takes around 10 days to process. This includes steps like opening a sponsor file, obtaining an entry permit, completing the medical fitness test, applying for an Emirates ID, securing medical insurance, and finalizing the residency visa stamping. Timely submission ensures a smooth process.
UAE Domestic Worker Visa Status Check
After applying for a UAE Domestic Worker Visa, it’s essential to stay updated on the progress of the application. The UAE provides several ways to check the visa status online, making it convenient for sponsors and applicants to monitor their applications. Here’s a step-by-step guide to checking the status of a UAE Domestic Worker Visa.
Step 1: Visit the GDRFA Website
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) is the authority responsible for issuing visas in the UAE. To check the status of a domestic worker visa, visit the official GDRFA website.
- URL: GDRFA Website
- Navigate to the “Visa Status” section on the website.
Step 2: Enter the Required Details
Once on the visa status page, you will need to provide specific information to retrieve the status of the visa application.
Details Required:
- Application Number
- Application Date
- Sponsor’s details (if applicable)
- Domestic worker’s passport number
Make sure to double-check the details you enter to ensure accuracy.
Step 3: Submit the Information
After entering all the required details, click on the “Submit” or “Check Status” button. The system will process the information and display the current status of the visa application.
Step 4: Review the Visa Status
The system will provide an update on the visa application, showing one of the following statuses:
- Pending: The application is still under review.
- Approved: The visa has been approved and is in the process of being issued.
- Rejected: The application has been rejected, with reasons typically provided.
- Completed: The visa has been issued and is ready for collection or has been delivered electronically.
Step 5: Contact GDRFA if Necessary
If you encounter any issues or discrepancies while checking the status, or if the visa application has been pending for an extended period, you can contact the GDRFA directly for assistance.
- GDRFA Customer Service: Available through their official contact numbers or by visiting their customer service centers.
Alternative Methods to Check Visa Status
If you are unable to access the GDRFA website, there are alternative methods to check the visa status:
- Via SMS: Some emirates offer SMS services where you can send a text message with the visa application number to receive an update.
- Through the Amer Centers: Visit any Amer service center in Dubai, where you can inquire about the visa status in person.
Benefits for UAE Domestic Worker Visa
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Legal Protection and Compliance | Ensures both employer and worker are compliant with UAE labor laws, protecting rights and preventing legal issues. |
| Access to Health and Medical Services | Provides mandatory health insurance and access to medical services, ensuring worker’s health is managed effectively. |
| Secure Employment Contract | Involves a legally binding contract outlining terms of employment, protecting both parties and providing a framework for dispute resolution. |
| Residency Benefits | Grants legal residency in the UAE, allowing the worker to stay and work without fear of deportation, ensuring long-term employment stability. |
| Access to Government Services | Enables the worker to obtain an Emirates ID, facilitating access to banking, medical care, and other essential services. |
| Work and Travel Security | Allows the worker to work legally and travel within the UAE, with provisions for emergency exits if necessary. |
| Family Reunification Possibilities | Potential for family reunification under certain conditions, enhancing worker’s job satisfaction and emotional well-being. |
| Enhanced Worker Rights | Guarantees protection under UAE laws regarding working hours, days off, and living conditions, ensuring a respectful working environment. |
| Employer’s Peace of Mind | Provides assurance that the employer is in compliance with regulations, reducing the risk of fines and ensuring proper documentation and insurance. |
| Contribution to the Economy | Supports the formal economy by regulating the labor market, ensuring fair wages, and promoting stability in the domestic sector. |
Conclusion
Obtaining a domestic worker visa in the UAE involves several detailed steps, each requiring careful attention to ensure a smooth process. By following this guide and adhering to the timelines, you can efficiently navigate the process and secure the necessary visa for your domestic worker.
