OFW Rights in the UAE: What Every Worker Should Know
Know your rights as an Overseas Filipino Worker in the UAE. From salary protection to rest days, this guide covers everything you need to protect yourself.
By AbiWorkers Welfare Team
Your Basic Rights as a Domestic Worker in the UAE
Under UAE Federal Law No. 10 of 2017 on Domestic Workers, you have specific rights that your employer must respect. Understanding these rights protects you from exploitation.
1. Right to Fair Wages
Your salary must be paid in full and on time, no later than the 10th of each month. Your employer cannot deduct money without your consent, except for legally mandated contributions.
2. Right to Rest and Leave
You are entitled to at least one day off per week (typically Friday), 30 days of annual paid leave, and sick leave. Your employer cannot force you to work on your rest day without compensation.
3. Right to Proper Accommodation
Your employer must provide suitable accommodation with adequate ventilation, a clean bed, and privacy. You should not be required to sleep in communal areas or storage rooms.
4. Right to Healthcare
Your employer must provide health insurance coverage. If you fall ill, your employer must cover medical expenses and cannot deduct them from your salary.
5. Right to Keep Your Passport
Your employer cannot confiscate your passport. This is illegal under UAE law. If this happens, contact your embassy or the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
6. Right to a Return Ticket
Every two years, your employer must provide a round-trip ticket to your home country. If your contract ends, they must pay for your repatriation.
7. Protection Against Abuse
If you face any form of abuse — physical, verbal, or emotional — you can report it to MOHRE, your embassy, or the police. The UAE has strict laws protecting domestic workers.
What to Do If Your Rights Are Violated
Contact MOHRE at 80060 (toll-free in UAE), visit the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO), or reach out to AbiWorkers support. We advocate for worker rights and can help you navigate disputes.
Important Numbers
MOHRE hotline: 80060 | POLO Dubai: +971 4 220 4804 | Philippine Embassy Abu Dhabi: +971 2 639 0006 | AbiWorkers Worker Welfare: +971 XX XXX XXXX
Remember: knowing your rights is your first line of defense. AbiWorkers is committed to protecting every worker we place.