Under UAE law, domestic workers can legally transfer from one employer to another — whether due to mutual agreement, contract completion, or certain legal circumstances. This guide covers the complete MOHRE process for transferring a domestic worker to a new employer in 2026, including fees, documents, and key conditions.
⚡ Quick Facts
| 🏛️ Authority | MOHRE UAE |
| ⏱️ Processing Time | 3–5 working days |
| 💰 Transfer Fee | AED 300–500 (varies by emirate) |
| ✅ New Employer Requirements | Must meet MOHRE eligibility criteria |
| 📞 MOHRE | 600590000 |
| 🌐 Apply Via | MOHRE-approved Tadbeer center |
📋 When Can a Domestic Worker Be Transferred?
- ✅ Mutual agreement between old employer, worker, and new employer
- ✅ Original contract has expired and worker does not renew
- ✅ Old employer no longer needs the worker's services
- ✅ Worker complaint upheld by MOHRE — abuse, non-payment, etc.
- ✅ Old employer is leaving UAE permanently
- ✅ Domestic worker requests transfer after 6 months and gives 30-day notice
⚠️ Important: A domestic worker cannot simply transfer without the original employer's consent unless MOHRE has upheld a formal complaint. Unauthorized transfer is a violation of UAE labor law.
👤 New Employer Eligibility Requirements
- ✅ Must be a UAE resident with valid Emirates ID
- ✅ Must meet MOHRE income/family size eligibility for domestic workers
- ✅ Must not have a history of domestic worker abuse or MOHRE violations
- ✅ New 2-year MOHRE employment contract must be signed
📋 Required Documents for Transfer
- ✅ Old employer's NOC (No Objection Certificate) — signed and attested
- ✅ Domestic worker's current work permit details
- ✅ Worker's valid passport (copy)
- ✅ New employer's Emirates ID (copy)
- ✅ New employer's proof of residence
- ✅ New MOHRE employment contract (Tripartite, signed by all parties)
- ✅ Medical examination (if original has expired)
🔄 Transfer Process — Step by Step
The existing employer signs a No Objection Certificate allowing the worker to transfer. This is the most critical step.
Both the new employer and the worker visit a MOHRE-approved Tadbeer center together.
The Tadbeer center submits the transfer application to MOHRE with all required documents.
MOHRE verifies the transfer is lawful — checking old permit status, NOC validity, and new employer eligibility.
A fresh 2-year MOHRE employment contract is issued under the new employer's sponsorship.
The domestic worker's residency and work permit are updated to reflect the new sponsor within 3–5 working days.
💰 Transfer Fees 2026
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| MOHRE transfer processing fee | AED 300–500 |
| New work permit (if needed) | AED 300–600 |
| Medical examination (if expired) | AED 200–400 |
| Tadbeer center service fee | AED 200–400 |
| Estimated Total | AED 1,000–1,900 |
⚖️ Can a Worker Transfer Without Employer Consent?
📋 Under the UAE Domestic Workers Law (Federal Decree Law No. 9 of 2022), a domestic worker may request a transfer without employer consent only in specific circumstances:
- Worker has completed 6+ months of the contract
- Worker provides 30 days written notice
- Or MOHRE upholds a worker complaint of abuse, non-payment, or contract violation
In all such cases, the transfer is processed through MOHRE's formal complaint and resolution channels.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hire a domestic worker who is currently working for another family?
Yes — with the current employer's NOC and MOHRE approval, you can legally hire a worker who is already in UAE on an existing permit. This is called a local transfer.
Does the domestic worker need to exit UAE for a transfer?
No — a local transfer does not require the worker to exit UAE. The permit is simply transferred to the new employer within the country.
What if the old employer refuses to give an NOC?
If the worker has valid grounds (abuse, non-payment, contract violation), they can file a formal complaint with MOHRE at 600590000. MOHRE can authorize a transfer even without employer consent in proven cases.
How long does the old work permit remain valid during transfer?
The old permit remains valid during the transfer process. MOHRE ensures there is no gap in the worker's legal status during the transition.
Is the worker entitled to gratuity from the old employer on transfer?
Yes — if the domestic worker has completed 1+ year with the old employer, they are entitled to end-of-service gratuity calculated from the original contract start date.
🏠 Looking to Hire a Domestic Worker in UAE?
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📌 Source: MOHRE UAE Official Website — Updated 2026. Always verify at mohre.gov.ae