What to Do When Your Helper Gets Sick: A UAE Parent’s Guide

It’s a situation many UAE families will face at some point: your nanny or maid is unwell. Whether it’s a common cold, food poisoning, or something more serious, it’s important to know how to respond in a way that’s legal, practical, and above all, human.

In this guide, we walk you through how to support your helper when she’s sick, while also keeping your home running smoothly and staying aligned with UAE laws.

1. Recognise That She’s Entitled to Sick Leave

According to UAE Labour Law, domestic workers are entitled to paid sick leave of up to 30 days per year. Here’s how it breaks down:

• First 15 days: fully paid
  
  

• Next 15 days: unpaid (if illness persists)
  
  

This applies as long as the sickness is properly documented with a medical certificate from a licensed clinic or hospital. It’s good practice to discuss this policy with your helper ahead of time, so there are no surprises when she needs time off.

For more on what to include in your agreement, check What Your Nanny Contract Should Include (With Free UAE-Friendly Template).

2. Get Her Medical Attention Quickly

If your helper feels unwell, encourage her to speak up early. Don’t wait until symptoms get worse. Many families in the UAE prefer to register their household staff at a nearby clinic or polyclinic.

You can:

• Call your regular family doctor
  
  

• Visit a nearby Aster, Mediclinic, or Prime clinic
  
  

• Use telehealth services like Okadoc or HealthHub for quick consultations
  
  

Keep her Emirates ID handy, as it’s often required for registration and insurance purposes.

3. Provide a Comfortable Place to Rest

If your nanny lives in, make sure she has a quiet, private space to rest. A sick helper should not be expected to work through illness, especially when children are in the house. It’s not only unfair, it risks spreading illness.

If she lives out, you may need to arrange for her to stay home and recover for a few days. Check in with her via WhatsApp, offer help if needed, and reassure her that her job is safe while she rests.

Looking to build a better relationship with your new hire? Start with Your First Month With a New Maid: Tips to Build Routine and Trust in Your UAE Home.

4. Plan for Backup Help if Needed

It can be stressful to juggle everything if your main support system is suddenly unavailable. That’s why it’s smart to have a backup plan in place.

Consider:

• A temporary nanny from an agency
  
  

• Asking a friend or family member for short-term help
  
  

• Booking a short-term helper through platforms like Peekaboo Nannies, where you can filter for immediate availability
  
  

If you’re juggling work, school drop-offs, and a sick helper, you’re not alone. Check5 Proven Ways to Reduce Parenting Stress in Dubai for practical tips from local families.

5. Be Clear About Return to Work Expectations

Once your nanny starts feeling better, make sure she’s truly ready before returning to a full workload. If her illness was contagious or severe, you may want a medical clearance before she resumes childcare duties.

Talk openly about:

• Whether she feels strong enough to return
  
  

• Any temporary adjustments to her routine
  
  

• Precautionary steps (like mask-wearing, if needed)
  
  

Patience during recovery shows that you value her wellbeing, and in return, she’s likely to stay loyal and motivated.

Final Thought: Kindness Builds Loyalty

At the end of the day, your nanny or maid is human. Getting sick is a normal part of life. When you respond with kindness, flexibility, and respect for her rights, it strengthens your working relationship in the long term.

If your current helper is leaving due to health reasons, or you need temporary support while she recovers, Peekaboo can help. With over 900 verified candidates and filters like availability, location, and part-time or full-time status, you can find the right fit for your household with ease.