For thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), the UAE has become a top destination for employment, stability, and new opportunities. Whether you're working in hospitality, healthcare, construction, or domestic service, it’s crucial to know your rights as a worker in the UAE to protect yourself and thrive in your job abroad.
This guide outlines the key legal rights and protections OFWs are entitled to under UAE law, along with support resources you can turn to when needed.

 

Basic Workers’ Rights Under UAE Law

The UAE’s Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021) governs employment for most private-sector workers. Here are the most important rights every OFW should know:

✅ Right to a Legal Contract

You must have a written employment contract approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). It should clearly state your:

• Salary and working hours
   
• Job role and responsibilities
   
• Duration of the contract
   
• Benefits and entitlements

🔗 MOHRE Contract Verification Portal

 

✅ Right to a Fair Wage

You must be paid on time and in full—typically through the Wages Protection System (WPS). Delayed or unpaid salaries can be reported to MOHRE.

 

✅ Right to Rest Days and Leave

• 1 rest day per week (minimum)
   
• 30 days of paid annual leave after completing one year
   
• Sick leave up to 90 days (with varying paid/unpaid structure)
   
• Public holidays as declared by the government

 

✅ Right to End-of-Service Benefits

At the end of your contract, you’re entitled to gratuity pay (end-of-service benefit) calculated based on your basic salary and years of service.

 

Additional Protections for Domestic Workers

Domestic workers (nannies, housekeepers, drivers) are covered by a separate law:
Federal Law No. 10 of 2017 on Domestic Workers.

Key rights include:

• At least 1 rest day per week
   
• 12 hours of rest per day, including 8 hours of continuous sleep
   
• Medical care and paid sick leave
   
• Timely salary payment (within 10 days)
   
• Right to keep your own passport
   

For support, contact Tadbeer Centers—licensed facilities that assist domestic workers and employers:
 🔗 Tadbeer Services Portal

 

Protection from Abuse or Exploitation

The UAE strictly prohibits:

• Confiscation of passports by employers
   
• Withholding of wages
   
• Physical or verbal abuse
   
• Unlawful deductions from salary
   

If you face mistreatment, you can:

• File a complaint with MOHRE
   
• Contact the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) or the Philippine Embassy
   
• Seek help via the UAE Human Rights Hotline

📞 MOHRE Hotline: 800 60
📞 UAE Human Rights Department: 800 444
📞 Philippine Embassy – Abu Dhabi: +971 2 639 0006
📞 POLO-Dubai: +971 4 220 7011

 

Key Support Organizations for OFWs

Organization	Services Offered
POLO / OWWA UAE	Labor assistance, contracts, repatriation, seminars
Philippine Embassy & Consulate	Legal aid, passport renewal, documentation
MOHRE (UAE)	Employment complaints, contract inquiries
OWWA (PH)	Welfare, reintegration, insurance, scholarships

🔗 Philippine Embassy in UAE
🔗 POLO – Dubai and Northern Emirates
🔗 OWWA

 

Being informed is your first line of defense. As an OFW in the UAE, you are protected under local and international labor laws. Knowing your rights helps ensure fair treatment and empowers you to take action if something goes wrong. Whether you're new to the UAE or have been here for years, remember: you have the right to dignity, safety, and fair work. Don’t hesitate to ask for help and assert what you’re entitled to.