Dubai’s labour court announces this week that it will appoint a panel of judges to review cases involving by domestic workers. The UAE approved its first law for domestic workers last month. According to the National - Opens in new tab, the panel is set to sit for the first time in November.
The panel expects to receive about 1500 cases a year, based on previous statistics.
The move is an important step towards ensuring enforcement of the new law - such as regular payment and a day off. As per the law, court fees for domestic workers will be waived, lifting a barrier domestic workers face to accessing justice mechanisms.
However, it is important to note that employers can file cases on grounds much more ambiguous than workers - such as ‘failing to fulfil their duties in the manner.’ The burden proof for mistreatment is greater and more specific for domestic workers.
