Sri Lankan Workers UAE Rights: What Your Contract Must Include
Sri Lankan workers in the UAE — particularly domestic workers — have comprehensive legal protections under the 2022 Domestic Workers Law and the general Labour Law. The challenge is not the law itself but enforcement. Workers who know their rights and can document violations have real recourse. Workers who do not may suffer in silence for years.
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Verify My Rights NowDomestic Worker Rights Under UAE Law
The Domestic Workers Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022) provides specific protections: a registered employment contract, salary paid on time, one paid rest day per week, 30 days annual leave per year, adequate food and accommodation, 12 hours daily rest including 8 hours sleep, sick leave, and end-of-service gratuity.
The law also provides protections against abuse: no physical or verbal abuse, no confiscation of identity documents, no restriction on communication, no forced work for third parties, and no withholding of wages. Violations by the employer can result in fines of AED 10,000-100,000.
Crucially, if your employer violates these protections, you can terminate the contract immediately and retain your right to all unpaid wages, gratuity, and a return ticket. You do not forfeit these rights by leaving an abusive employer.
3 Rights Violations Sri Lankan Workers Must Watch For
Confiscation of Phone and Communication Devices
Some employers confiscate mobile phones from Sri Lankan domestic workers, claiming it 'distracts from work' or is 'for security'. Confiscating personal property is illegal under UAE law. Your phone is your lifeline — it allows you to contact the Embassy, family, and emergency services. If your employer takes your phone, this is a serious red flag. Report to the Sri Lankan Embassy and MoHRE. Under the Domestic Workers Law, restricting communication is a form of abuse.
Unpaid Wages During Probation Period
Some employers do not pay Sri Lankan domestic workers during the first 3 months, calling it a 'probation period' or 'training period'. Under UAE law, domestic workers must be paid from day one. A probation period allows the employer to terminate without notice, but it does not allow withholding wages. If you have worked without being paid, every unpaid day is owed to you. Keep a personal record of your start date.
Forced Work in Multiple Households
Your contract is with one employer for work in one household. Being sent to clean relatives' houses, work at your employer's business, or serve at parties in other locations is a violation of the Domestic Workers Law. You cannot be assigned to work for third parties. If your employer regularly sends you to work in other households, this is trafficking-adjacent behaviour. Report it to MoHRE and the Embassy.
Sri Lankan Embassy Support Services
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Abu Dhabi and Consulate in Dubai provide: labour complaint mediation, emergency shelter for domestic workers in distress, legal referrals, repatriation assistance, and SLBFE welfare fund claims. Services are free for registered workers.
If you are in an emergency — physical abuse, locked in the house, passport confiscated — call the police (999) first, then the Embassy. The Embassy has arrangements with shelters that can accommodate workers while their cases are resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Sri Lankan domestic workers get annual leave in the UAE?
Yes. Under the Domestic Workers Law, after completing one year of service you are entitled to 30 days of paid annual leave. The employer must also provide a return ticket to Sri Lanka for your leave. Some employers try to deny leave or offer cash in lieu — you cannot be forced to forgo your annual leave. If your employer consistently denies leave requests, file a complaint with MoHRE.
Can a Sri Lankan domestic worker terminate the contract and change employers?
Yes. Under the 2022 reforms, domestic workers can terminate their contract by giving 30 days notice. You can then transfer to a new employer without leaving the UAE. If your employer abuses you, withholds your salary, or violates the contract, you can terminate immediately without notice and without penalty. Contact MoHRE or the Sri Lankan Embassy for assistance with the transfer process.
What should Sri Lankan workers do if their employer physically abuses them?
Physical abuse is a criminal offence in the UAE. Call the police immediately (999). After filing a police report, contact the Sri Lankan Embassy for emergency shelter and legal assistance. You can also call MoHRE's complaint line (600-590000). Physical abuse by an employer entitles you to immediate contract termination with full payment of all dues including gratuity, unused leave, and return ticket. Do not accept any settlement that waives your right to report the crime.