Sri Lankan Maid in UAE: Salary, Hiring Process & Legal Guide 2026
Sri Lankan domestic workers are among the most trusted and experienced nationalities in UAE households. Known for their dedication, reliability, and strong housekeeping skills, they have served GCC families for decades. This complete 2026 guide covers Sri Lankan maid salaries, the full hiring process, consulate requirements, costs, and your legal rights as an employer.
Why UAE Families Choose Sri Lankan Maids
- Long track record — Sri Lanka has been sending domestic workers to the UAE for over 30 years
- Reliable and hardworking — highly rated by UAE families for consistency and commitment
- Excellent housekeepers — skilled at cleaning, laundry, and full household management
- Good cooks — familiar with South Asian, Middle Eastern, and international cuisines
- Loyal long-term employees — known for staying with the same family for many years
- Multilingual — many speak basic Arabic, English, and Tamil or Sinhala
Sri Lankan Maid Salary in UAE 2026
| Role | Monthly Salary (AED) |
|---|---|
| Housemaid / General Helper | 1,200 – 2,000 |
| Live-In Full-Time Maid | 1,400 – 2,200 |
| Nanny / Childcare | 1,600 – 2,500 |
| Cook / Kitchen Helper | 1,600 – 2,500 |
| Elderly Caregiver | 1,600 – 2,500 |
| Part-Time / Hourly Maid | AED 25–45 per hour |
Sri Lanka SLBFE minimum wage: The Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) sets a minimum monthly wage for domestic workers. Market rates in UAE are generally higher, especially for experienced workers already in the country.
All salaries must be paid via the Wage Protection System (WPS) — no later than the 2nd of each month.
How to Hire a Sri Lankan Maid in UAE: Step-by-Step 2026
Step 1 — Choose a Licensed Tadbeer Centre or Agency
Only use MoHRE-authorized Tadbeer centres or licensed recruitment agencies. Browse verified UAE agencies: www.gccdomestic.com/en/agencies/
Step 2 — Select Candidate & Sign MoHRE Contract
Review worker profiles, conduct an interview, and sign the MoHRE Unified Standard Employment Contract in Arabic and English. Verbal agreements have no legal standing.
Step 3 — Apply for Entry Permit via GDRFA
If recruiting from Sri Lanka, your agency submits the entry permit application through GDRFA. Valid for 60 days from approval.
Step 4 — SLBFE Registration & Consulate Attestation
Sri Lankan workers must be registered with the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) before departure. Additionally, the employment contract must be attested by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Step 5 — Security Deposit (Sri Lanka-Specific Requirement)
The employer must pay a refundable deposit of AED 3,675 to the Sri Lanka Consulate for female domestic workers. This is refunded at the end of the employment contract, subject to conditions.
Step 6 — Worker Arrives & Medical Test
Medical fitness test must be completed within 30 days of arrival — including HIV, TB, Hepatitis B and C, and chest X-ray at an approved UAE facility.
Step 7 — Emirates ID & 2-Year Residence Visa
Biometric registration at ICP. Final 2-year residence visa stamped in the worker's passport.
Step 8 — Register Contract with MoHRE
Submit the signed employment contract to MoHRE within 30 days. Verify status at the MoHRE portal using your employer file number.
⏱️ Timeline: 5–9 weeks from Sri Lanka. 1–3 weeks if the worker is already in UAE.
Total Cost of Hiring a Sri Lankan Maid in UAE 2026
| Fee Item | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Tadbeer / Agency Fee | 2,500 – 6,000 |
| Entry Permit (GDRFA) | 200 – 400 |
| SLBFE + Consulate Attestation | 400 – 700 |
| Sri Lanka Consulate Deposit (refundable) | 3,675 |
| Medical Fitness Test | 300 – 600 |
| Emirates ID | 300 – 500 |
| Residence Visa Stamping | 500 – 1,000 |
| Health Insurance (mandatory) | 800 – 2,000 |
| Air Ticket from Sri Lanka | 500 – 900 |
| Total Estimated Cost | AED 9,175 – 17,775 |
The refundable Sri Lanka Consulate deposit (AED 3,675) makes total upfront cost higher than other nationalities — but this amount is returned when the contract ends properly.
Required Documents Checklist
Employer Must Provide
- Valid UAE Residence Visa copy
- Emirates ID copy
- Salary certificate (AED 25,000/month for private sponsorship)
- Ejari/tenancy contract or property title deed
- Passport copy
- Two cheques (some consulate requirements)
Sri Lankan Worker Must Provide
- Valid passport (2+ years remaining)
- SLBFE clearance certificate
- Police clearance from Sri Lanka (issued within 6 months)
- Medical fitness certificate (HIV, TB, Hepatitis)
- Consulate-attested employment contract
- Passport photographs
Sri Lankan vs Other Nationalities — Quick Comparison
| Factor | Sri Lankan | Indian | Filipino |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. Salary (AED/month) | 1,400 – 2,200 | 1,500 – 2,500 | 1,800 – 3,000 |
| Consulate Deposit Required | Yes (AED 3,675, refundable) | No | No |
| English Level | Basic – Intermediate | Intermediate | Intermediate – Fluent |
| Housekeeping Skills | Excellent | Excellent | Very Good |
| Long-term Loyalty | Very High | High | High |
| Availability in UAE | High | Very High | Very High |
Legal Rights of Sri Lankan Workers in UAE
Under Federal Decree-Law No. 9 of 2022, all domestic workers are legally entitled to:
- Annual leave: 30 days after one full year of service
- Weekly rest day: At least 1 day per week (mandatory)
- Health insurance: Mandatory — employer must pay
- End-of-service gratuity: 14–21 days salary per year of service
- Sick leave: Up to 90 days per year
- Resignation right: After 6 months with 30 days' written notice
- Abuse protection: Complaints via MoHRE 800-60 or the MoHRE app
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary of a Sri Lankan maid in UAE 2026? AED 1,400–2,200 per month for a full-time housemaid role. Nannies and cooks typically earn AED 1,600–2,500.
Why do I need to pay a deposit to the Sri Lanka Consulate? The AED 3,675 deposit protects the worker's rights. It is fully refundable at the end of the employment contract, provided proper termination procedures are followed.
Do I need consulate attestation for a Sri Lankan maid? Yes. The employment contract must be attested by the Sri Lanka Consulate General in Dubai (or Abu Dhabi) before the worker can legally depart Sri Lanka.
How long does it take to hire a Sri Lankan maid from Sri Lanka? Approximately 5–9 weeks, including SLBFE registration, consulate attestation, entry permit, medical tests, and visa stamping.
Can I hire a Sri Lankan worker already in UAE? Yes — this is faster and cheaper. The worker must have a valid visa or be in a grace period, and you process the transfer through your Tadbeer agency.
Find a Verified Agency on GCC Domestic
Browse 1,500+ MoHRE-verified agencies across UAE and all GCC countries, including agencies specializing in Sri Lankan domestic workers.
- Browse UAE Agencies: www.gccdomestic.com/en/uae/
- Request a Sri Lankan Worker: www.gccdomestic.com/en/request-worker/
- Contact Support: www.gccdomestic.com/en/contact/
Last updated: March 26, 2026 — reflects latest MoHRE regulations and Sri Lanka SLBFE requirements.
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