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In Dubai, the recruitment of nannies, maids, housekeepers, and other domestic workers is handled by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). An official 2023 document on recruitment fees mentions nine nationalities: the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Nepal, and India. However, this is not an exhaustive list of all nationalities authorized to work as domestic workers in the UAE in 2026. It is also important to distinguish eligibility for a work permit from the actual availability of a nationality through recruitment agencies. To find out which nationalities are currently available, check with the MoHRE or an approved domestic worker recruitment center. |
Which nationalities can work in Dubai as a nanny, maid, or domestic worker?
When you want to hire a nanny, maid, housekeeper, or more broadly a domestic worker in Dubai, one question often comes up: which nationalities are authorized to work in this type of job in the United Arab Emirates?
The answer requires some nuance. Certain nationalities are indeed regularly mentioned in official texts and documents, but as of today, there is no simple, definitive public list bringing together all the nationalities authorized to work as domestic workers in Dubai.
The relevant authority in this field is the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), the federal Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. Procedures related to work permits for foreign domestic workers are handled by this authority. eservices-uat.mohre.gov.ae
Nationalities mentioned by the MoHRE for domestic workers
An official administrative document published in 2023 by the authorities of the United Arab Emirates mentions nine nationalities in connection with regulated fees applicable to certain domestic worker recruitment services.
The nationalities cited are:
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Sri Lanka
- Bangladesh
- Kenya
- Ethiopia
- Uganda
- Nepal
- India
These nationalities appear in a table setting maximum fees for certain services offered by domestic worker recruitment agencies. U.AE
In practice, these are nationalities frequently found among people recruited in the UAE to work as nannies, maids, housekeepers, or domestic workers.
However, a hasty conclusion should be avoided: this list of nine countries should not be considered an exhaustive list of all nationalities authorized to work as domestic workers in Dubai in 2026.
A fee schedule is not an exhaustive list of authorized nationalities
This is precisely where the main difficulty lies.
The 2023 official document does not say that only these nine nationalities can obtain a domestic work permit. It mentions them in the specific context of regulated recruitment fees.
In other words, the fact that a nationality does not appear in this table does not automatically mean that someone of that nationality cannot work as a nanny or maid in Dubai.
Conversely, the fact that a nationality appears on this list does not guarantee that it will always be possible to recruit a worker from that country immediately.
Requirements may change, and availability also depends on the recruitment options offered by licensed agencies.
Eligible nationality and nationality available for recruitment: two different concepts
When looking for a nanny or housekeeper in Dubai, it is important to distinguish between two things.
The first is eligibility to obtain a work permit as a domestic worker. The second is the ability to actually recruit someone of a given nationality when you submit your application.
These two things are not necessarily the same.
A nationality may be eligible in principle, while no candidates are currently available through the agency you contact. Administrative changes or recruitment conditions specific to certain countries may also affect the options offered to employers.
That is why an old list found online is not enough to determine with certainty which nationalities are available at the time of your recruitment.
How can you find out which nationalities are available in Dubai?
The most reliable option is to inquire directly with a MoHRE-approved domestic worker recruitment center.
The ministry maintains a list of centers authorized to operate in this field in the UAE. In particular, MoHRE published an updated official list of approved centers in 2026. The ministry also reminds employers to use these approved centers to recruit domestic staff. Ministry of Human Resources
These centers can tell you which nationalities can be recruited when you make your inquiry and which profiles are actually available.
This check is especially important if you want to hire someone you already know directly or are looking for a particular nationality.
MoHRE remains the authority to consult
For all questions about authorization to work as a maid, nanny, housekeeper, or domestic worker in Dubai, MoHRE remains the competent authority.
The ministry can confirm recruitment options and the rules that apply to foreign domestic workers’ work permits.
If you are unsure about a particular nationality, it is best to check the situation before starting a recruitment or visa process. MoHRE has a call center that can be reached at 600 590 000. Tasheel
In summary, the Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Nepal, and India are among the nationalities officially mentioned in the regulations on recruiting domestic workers. However, this 2023 list should not be interpreted as a definitive, exhaustive list of nationalities authorized in 2026.
To find out whether a particular nationality can currently be recruited as a nanny, maid, or housekeeper in Dubai, it is therefore essential to check with MoHRE or an approved recruitment center.
