Daijiworld Media Network (DC)

Abu Dhabi, October 12: Ministry of Interior sources say that a new draft law aimed at protecting the rights of housemaids and domestic servants, and allowing them to work part-time with different sponsors, will be sent soon to the federal cabinet.

The current non-refundable fee of Dh5,000 for hiring a maid from overseas would be reduced to Dh1,500 per annum. The draft law aimed to  protect the rights of workers as well as ensure that the sponsors stipulated  daily work hours, paid  wages on time, provided weekend holidays, annual leave and air tickets, and paid end-of-service benefits.

It would address the shortage of housemaids and domestic workers by allowing them to work part-time with more than one household after seeking permission from the authorities. An investigation bureau would be set up to investigate complaints made by the housemaids and domestic workers. A hotline would receive complaints round the clock.

The draft law also aims to protect the maids and domestic workers from abuse by imposing tough penalties, including imprisonment. Penalties in the draft law are the same as those under the criminal code — imprisonment, and a ban on employing housemaids.

Work hours and minimum wages for maids and domestic workers would be declared soon after the draft law is approved by the cabinet.

In cases of abuse, maids would have the right to terminate the contract and seek compensation.

The draft law, in compliance with the International Charter of Human Rights, includes a provision for healthcare and health insurance for maids in case of an accident.