UAE: MoHRE asks employers to give 12-hour mandatory daily rest to domestic workers

Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of domestic workers across the UAE by reinforcing mandatory rest periods and comprehensive worker safety protocols.

Under the Ministry’s directives, domestic workers are entitled to a minimum of 12 hours of daily rest, of which at least 8 hours must be continuous. The Ministry clarified that breaks for rest, meals, or idle time cannot be included as part of the working hours.

The Ministry’s remarks came as it addressed concerns regarding domestic workers’ weekly rest periods.

Employers may request domestic workers to work on their designated weekly rest day, but only under specific conditions. In such cases, the worker must either be granted a substitute rest day or receive financial compensation equal to one day’s wage. Importantly, a worker must not be required to work on more than one rest day within a two-week period, unless a mutual agreement is reached.

In addition to rest regulations, the Ministry addressed employer obligations concerning worker safety and health. Both employers and recruitment agencies are required to inform domestic workers of any potential occupational hazards and the necessary precautions to avoid them.

To ensure their physical wellbeing, domestic workers must be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as uniforms, gloves, and footwear. Employers are expected to take preventive measures to protect against occupational risks and diseases.

Meanwhile, domestic workers are also responsible for following safety instructions and using the provided protective equipment properly. Misuse or intentional damage of PPE is strictly prohibited, the Ministry stressed.