Dubai, UAE — The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (Mohre) has introduced new regulations aimed at streamlining the resolution of disputes between domestic workers and their employers. Announced last week, the regulations are expected to expedite the legal process and foster a more equitable relationship between both parties.
Under the new law, disputes involving amounts of Dh50,000 or less will now be directly handled by Mohre. This change eliminates the need for such cases to be initially referred to the court, thus accelerating the resolution process. If a resolution is not reached within a designated timeframe, Mohre will escalate the case to the Court of First Instance, bypassing the Court of Appeals.
In addition, parties involved in a dispute can file a lawsuit with the Court of First Instance within 15 working days of being notified of Mohre’s decision. This move allows for the suspension of the Ministry’s decision enforcement while the lawsuit is pending.
Barney Almazar, a Dubai-based migrant rights advocate, praised the new regulations for their efficiency. “In essence, these new Mohre regulations save time and effort, streamline procedures, and expedite the process for claimants to receive their legal entitlements,” Almazar told Khaleej Times. He emphasized that the amendments to UAE labour laws are designed to create a fair and balanced relationship between domestic workers and their employers.
The changes are expected to benefit both domestic workers and their employers by avoiding prolonged legal disputes. Previously, Mohre lacked the authority to make decisions on such matters, and disputes were often resolved through lengthy court proceedings—a process that favored employers due to the extended duration of legal battles.
Almazar noted, “Now, Mohre has the power to directly resolve disputes involving amounts up to Dh50,000 or cases involving non-compliance with prior ministry decisions. This shift is a significant step towards social justice, addressing the power imbalance between employers and domestic workers.”
Analiza Villao, president of the Filipino Kasambahay Club (FKC) in Dubai, expressed optimism about the new regulations. Villao, who represents around 100 domestic workers, stated, “We are hopeful that Mohre’s new powers will lead to quicker resolutions of our issues. The process is now clearer and more straightforward, which is a significant improvement from before.”
Almazar further explained that the new regulations provide domestic workers with a more accessible platform to seek redress without the burden of lengthy and costly court proceedings. He pointed out that the minimum legal fees for a simple case could amount to Dh15,000, a significant hurdle for many domestic workers who might otherwise abandon their cases.
“The amendments to Mohre’s powers align with recent changes to the UAE Labour Law and represent a crucial advancement in promoting social justice within the workplace,” Almazar concluded.
Under the new law, if a dispute cannot be amicably settled, either party may contest Mohre’s decision in the Court of First Instance. The court is required to schedule a hearing within three working days, and its ruling will be final. This provision ensures that while the process is expedited, there is still a formal avenue for challenging decisions.
Overall, the new regulations are poised to enhance the efficiency and fairness of resolving disputes involving domestic workers in the UAE.