Recruiting domestic helpers from outside the UAE will soon only be allowed if they are clearly informed about the nature of their work and wages.
UAE labour rights changes mean workers will also be required to present evidence of their fitness and professional competence for the job.
The changes, that come into effect on December 15, were announced this week by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
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The new law is intended to help ensure all parties involved in an employment contract have their rights protected.
Recruitment offices will be banned from accepting a commission for obtaining work, whether directly or through third parties.
They will also be barred from incurring expenses from domestic helpers.
Once the rules are in place, domestic helpers must be provided with a booklet that details their wages and recruitment agents are obliged to make sure they are treated well.
If a domestic worker decides to return to their home country, the agent must cover their travel costs.
In such an event the agent must also provide a substitute helper or refund the amount paid by the employer.
The Ministry said it is keen to “regulate the recruitment and employment of domestic helpers in line with international best practices” and aims to “reduce labour disputes and enhance the UAE’s competitiveness”.
It comes after the launch of the all-new UAE unemployment insurance scheme.
With certain criteria met, compensation to unemployed expats in Abu Dhabi will now be paid monthly based on 60 percent of the employee’s basic salary and subject to a maximum Dhs20,000 per month.
The new law applies to all workers in the UAE – meaning it impacts both federal government employees and private sector staff.
First announced in May, it excludes part-time employees, retirees who have a pension and those under the age of 18.
The Ministry say the scheme will ensure a sustainably decent life for UAE residents if they are ever unemployed.
It also aims to boost the attractiveness of the jobs market in the UAE and enhance the global competitiveness of UAE nationals.
To be eligible, the employee must have been insured with an employer for at least 12 months.
This will be calculated from the date of subscription.
Employees who have been dismissed for disciplinary reasons will not be eligible, the Ministry confirmed.
If a resident starts a new job during the compensation period, the scheme will be suspended for them.
The two sets of changes are the latest in a string of regulatory announcements by authorities in the UAE, after significant amendments were made to visa rules and residency requirements.
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