How to Sponsor a Maid in Dubai: Step-by-Step Guide

Hiring and sponsoring a maid in Dubai can greatly simplify your household chores and provide invaluable support in managing your home. However, the process of sponsoring a domestic worker involves several legal and administrative steps that must be carefully followed to ensure compliance with UAE regulations. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of sponsoring a maid in Dubai, making it easier for you to navigate the requirements and procedures.

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Before starting the process, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria to sponsor a maid:

• Income Requirement: The sponsor (usually the head of the household) must have a minimum monthly salary of AED 25,000 or more.

• Residence Type: You must live in suitable accommodation, such as a villa or an adequately sized apartment.

• Legal Status: The sponsor must be a resident of Dubai holding a valid residency visa.

Step 2: Choose a Maid

Decide whether you want to hire a maid through a recruitment agency or sponsor someone you already know. Ensure that the maid meets the following criteria:

• Age: The maid must be at least 18 years old.

• Nationality: The maid’s nationality must be from a country approved by the UAE government for domestic worker recruitment (e.g., Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh).

Step 3: Obtain Initial Approval

1. Collect Required Documents:

   • Passport copies of both the sponsor and the maid.

   • Visa copy of the sponsor.

   • Proof of income (e.g., salary certificate, labor contract).

   • Copy of tenancy contract (Ejari) showing adequate accommodation.

   • Passport-sized photographs of the maid.

2. Submit Application:

   • Visit a typing center to complete the application form for initial approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai.

   • Pay the required fees for the application process.

Step 4: Apply for an Entry Permit

Once initial approval is granted, apply for an entry permit (visa) for the maid:

• The entry permit allows the maid to enter the UAE and is valid for 60 days.

• Submit the necessary documents and pay the fees at the GDRFA or through a typing center.

Step 5: Medical Fitness Test

After the maid arrives in Dubai, she must undergo a medical fitness test at an authorized medical center:

• Tests include screening for infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, and tuberculosis.

• Obtain the medical fitness certificate upon successful completion of the tests.

Step 6: Apply for Emirates ID

The maid must apply for an Emirates ID, which involves:

• Visiting an Emirates ID center for fingerprinting and photograph.

• Submitting the required documents and paying the application fee.

Step 7: Obtain Health Insurance

Provide health insurance coverage for the maid as mandated by Dubai law:

• Choose a suitable health insurance plan that meets the minimum coverage requirements.

• Ensure the insurance policy is valid for the entire duration of the maid’s residency visa.

Step 8: Apply for a Residency Visa

With the medical fitness certificate and Emirates ID application completed, apply for the maid’s residency visa:

• Submit the necessary documents to the GDRFA.

• Pay the residency visa fees.

• The maid’s passport will be stamped with the residency visa upon approval.

Step 9: Finalize the Sponsorship

1. Labor Card:

   • Apply for a labor card for the maid through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

   • Provide the required documents and pay the applicable fees.

2. Sign Employment Contract:

   • Draft and sign an employment contract outlining the terms of employment, salary, and duties.

   • Ensure the contract is in compliance with UAE labor laws for domestic workers.

Conclusion

Sponsoring a maid in Dubai involves multiple steps, from initial approval to finalizing the residency visa and labor card. By following this step-by-step guide, you can navigate the process smoothly and ensure compliance with all legal requirements. Utilizing the services of a professional typing center, like Arabian Business Centre, can further simplify the process, offering expert guidance and support at each stage. This allows you to focus on integrating your new domestic worker into your household with ease and confidence.