Domestic worker visas are crucial for those employed in private households as cleaners, chauffeurs, cooks, nannies, or personal care providers. These visas are tied to specific employers and typically have a duration aligned with the employee's ongoing service within the household. The cost for obtaining such visas varies, with employers spending between 7,000 AED and 20,000 AED depending on the urgency.
The sharp increase in visa applications reflects the UAE’s booming economy and rising disposable incomes among both local and expatriate families. The summer travel season has particularly driven this trend, with many families opting to have their trusted domestic staff accompany them abroad rather than hiring new personnel locally. Popular destinations for domestic workers include Europe (60%), the UK (36%), and Russia (4%).
Anastasia Yanchenko, CEO of The Visa Services, highlighted that the peak period for domestic worker visa applications occurs before the summer season and winter school breaks. However, there is consistent demand throughout the year.
The economic role of domestic workers in the UAE has become increasingly significant. Data shows a notable surge in applications from May to July 2024, with 760 domestic worker visas issued, a 137.5% increase from the 320 visas issued during the same period in 2023. Filipinos make up 90% of these applications, with Algerians, Ethiopians, and other nationalities following.
Different countries have varying regulations for domestic workers accompanying their employers. For instance, while the UK allows nannies to travel with their employers, Canada does not. Schengen countries often require domestic workers to have been with the family for over a year and necessitate that the family be the direct sponsor. In contrast, the UK and US enforce stringent documentation requirements, and the USA’s regulations are akin to those for regular tourist visas.
Yanchenko noted that the UK and US have particularly strict rules, requiring detailed documentation to comply with their labor laws. Additionally, housemaids from countries like India and Sri Lanka need both a visa and a consular stamp to travel to Europe; otherwise, their applications risk rejection. The Visa Services specializes in navigating these complex requirements, ensuring clients are well-prepared for the application process.