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Dubai to appoint judges panel for domestic workers

On October 15, 2017

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, 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.