Hiring household staff and domestic workers in Dubai can be a smooth process if you understand the local procedures and know exactly what kind of help you need said Morgan Richez, Co-founder of Morgan & Mallet International Agency in Dubai.
From nannies to private chefs, chauffeurs to housekeepers, Dubai’s international environment offers a wide pool of talent.
However, hiring the right person involves more than just recruitment; it also requires navigating various administrative steps.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the key steps to hire household and domestic staff in Dubai, the legal considerations, and what you can expect in terms of salaries and benefits.
Understanding the demand for household staff in Dubai
Dubai’s fast-paced lifestyle and high-income households have led to a growing demand for household staff.
Families, both local and expatriate, often rely on nannies, chauffeurs, and private chefs to manage their homes and maintain their lifestyle.
In fact, a report by the Dubai Statistics Center shows that up to 50% of expatriate households employ household staff, whether full-time or part-time. Common positions include nannies, housekeepers, drivers, and private chefs.
Salaries for household staff in Dubai
Salaries for household staff vary depending on the role and experience level. On average:
- Nannies earn between AED 3,500 to AED 6,000 per month, depending on their qualifications and experience.
- Private chefs can earn from AED 8,000 to AED 20,000 monthly, particularly if they are specialized in international or dietary-specific cuisines.
- Chauffeurs generally earn between AED 3,000 to AED 5,000 per month.
These salaries often come with meals, and sometimes travel allowances, especially for live-in domestic workers.
Step 1: Define Your household’s needs
Before starting the recruitment process, it’s essential to clearly define what type of household staff you need. Are you looking for a nanny to help with children, a chauffeur to drive the family, or a private chef to handle meals?
Understanding your household’s specific needs will help you craft a detailed job description, which is crucial for attracting the right candidates.
A typical job description should include:
- Duties and responsibilities (e.g., child care, cooking, driving).
- Required skills or experience (e.g., years of experience, certifications).
- Language requirements (in Dubai, English is common, but Arabic or other languages may be needed).
Step 2: Legal requirements and sponsorship in UAE
In Dubai, hiring household staff involves specific administrative steps. One of the most important aspects is sponsorship.
All foreign household employees must be sponsored by their employer, which involves obtaining a work visa for the staff member.
Visa sponsorship for household staff and domestic workers in UAE
As a sponsor, you will be responsible for the visa application process for your domestic staff. Here’s a breakdown of the steps:
- Apply for a work permit through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
- Once the permit is approved, the employee can enter Dubai, at which point you’ll need to apply for a residence visa.
- The staff member will also need to undergo a medical test and receive an Emirates ID.
- After securing the visa, you will need to register them with the Ministry of Human
- Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), ensuring compliance with local labor laws.
Important considerations
- The visa is valid for two years and needs to be renewed upon expiration.
- Employers are responsible for paying the annual visa fees, which can range from AED 5,000 to AED 6,000, depending on the role and duration.
- As an employer, you will also need to ensure that your staff has health insurance, which is mandatory in Dubai.
Step 3: Recruitment process
Once the administrative requirements are clear, you can start the recruitment process. You can either handle the recruitment yourself or work with an established agency like Morgan & Mallet International, which specializes in household staff recruitment.
Where to find household staff
- Recruitment agencies: Specialized agencies often have pre-screened candidates with verified experience and backgrounds. This is a reliable way to find trusted staff.
- Online job portals: Websites such as Bayt.com and Dubizzle have sections dedicated to domestic staff roles, including nannies, chauffeurs, and chefs.
- Word of mouth: Many expatriates find staff through recommendations within their social circles. This can often lead to finding experienced individuals with trusted references.
Conducting interviews and background checks
When hiring household employees, it’s essential to conduct thorough interviews and background checks. Look for candidates who have:
- A proven track record of working with families, particularly in Dubai or the wider Gulf region.
- Relevant skills (e.g., a nanny with early childhood education certification, a chef with international culinary experience).
- Excellent references from previous employers.
Background checks should verify the candidate’s employment history and criminal record to ensure your household’s safety and security.
Step 4: Drafting employment contracts
Once you’ve selected your candidate, it’s time to draw up an employment contract. Dubai’s labor laws require that you have a formal written contract that outlines the terms and conditions of employment.
Key elements to include in a contract
- Job description: Outline the duties and responsibilities.
- Salary and benefits: Clearly state the salary, any overtime pay, and benefits like accommodation and transportation.
- Work hours: The standard working hours for domestic staff in Dubai are 8 to 10 hours per day. However, this can be negotiated based on the nature of the job.
- Annual leave: Household staff in Dubai are entitled to at least 30 days of annual leave.
- Health insurance: As mentioned earlier, employers are required to provide health insurance for their staff.
Step 5: Onboarding and settling in
The final step in the process is ensuring a smooth onboarding for your new household staff. This includes setting clear expectations, providing proper accommodation if needed, and ensuring they are familiar with your household’s routine.
Cultural sensitivity
Dubai is a multicultural city, and many household staff come from different parts of the world. It’s important to foster an environment of respect and understanding, especially if your staff comes from a different cultural background.
Clear communication and setting boundaries early on can help establish a positive working relationship.
Ensuring a smooth hiring process
Hiring household staff in Dubai can be a straightforward process if you follow the correct steps and adhere to local regulations. Whether you’re looking for a nanny, chauffeur, or private chef, ensuring that all administrative and legal steps are followed will lead to a successful hire.
If you’re looking to hire professional and trustworthy staff, consider working with a specialized agency like Morgan & Mallet International. Their team can guide you through the entire recruitment process, from defining your household’s needs to ensuring all legal requirements are met.
Contact Morgan & Mallet today to find the right household staff for your family.
