Your Maid Wants to Travel Home for a Visit? What the UAE Law Says

Whether it’s for a family event, a personal emergency, or simply a much-needed break, it’s common for maids and nannies in the UAE to request time off to travel to their home country. But for many families, the question arises: What are the legal responsibilities? Am I required to pay for the ticket? Will she be allowed back into the country after travel?

If your maid or nanny wants to travel home, here’s a comprehensive guide to what UAE law says, what you’re expected to do, and how to handle it smoothly as a family.

 First, Understand What the UAE Labour Law Says

Domestic workers in the UAE, including maids and nannies, are protected under Federal Law No. 10 of 2017. The law outlines key rights and obligations for both employers and employees, including annual leave and travel entitlements.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Annual Leave: Your maid is entitled to 30 days of paid annual leave after completing one year of continuous service.
  
  

• Unpaid Leave: If she requests time off before completing a full year, you may agree on unpaid leave, but this must be in writing.
  
  

• Return Travel: If the maid is terminating her contract at the end of the term, the employer typically pays for the return flight home.
  
  

• Mid-Contract Travel: If she wants to go home temporarily during her leave and return to resume work, the employer is not legally required to pay for her flight, but many do so as a gesture of goodwill.
  
  

You can always check official UAE resources for the most updated government guidance.

✈️ Who Pays for the Travel Ticket?

This is often the biggest concern for families.

• If the maid is going home on leave and returning, it’s up to you and her to agree who pays for the flight.
  
  

• Some families offer a flight allowance every two years, especially for long-term helpers.
  
  

• Others share the cost, especially if the leave is during school holidays or low-demand periods.
  
  

💡 Peekaboo families often include travel details clearly in their employment contract to avoid confusion later.

🛂 What Paperwork Is Required for Her to Travel?

If your maid is under your personal sponsorship or a maids.cc-sponsored visa through our Peekaboo partnership, she’ll need:

• A valid residency visa (minimum 6 months validity is recommended before travel),
  
  

• A valid passport (check expiry date),
  
  

• A No Objection Certificate (NOC) if she is traveling alone and under private sponsorship, this letter confirms you permit her to travel,
  
  

• Some embassies may request additional documentation depending on her nationality.
  
  

🧡 Families using our Maids.cc visa partner service get full support with travel documents, NOCs, and embassy coordination, all 100% compliant and hassle-free.

✅ Can She Come Back Without Issues?

Yes, as long as:

• Her visa is still valid,
  
  

• She returns within 6 months (or shorter, depending on visa type),
  
  

• No bans, immigration flags, or pending legal issues exist.
  
  

It's wise to book return tickets in advance and keep a copy of her documents in case she faces questions at immigration.

💬 How to Handle the Conversation Respectfully

It can be an awkward conversation, especially if the request comes suddenly. But it’s important to show empathy and also be clear.

Here’s a good way to approach it:

“I completely understand you want to visit your family. Let’s go through the dates together and check what’s needed for your visa and travel. We’ll do our best to support where we can.”

Building trust during such conversations ensures smoother transitions in the future. Learn more in our post on how to build routine and trust with your helper.

📎 A Few Tips to Keep Things Smooth

• Always keep a signed contract that mentions leave policy,
  
  

• Discuss leave timelines ahead of major school holidays or family travel,
  
  

• Encourage your maid to renew her passport at least 6 months before expiry,
  
  

• Keep a copy of her visa, passport, Emirates ID, and return ticket.

Final Thoughts

When your maid or nanny asks to travel home, it’s often for meaningful reasons, family emergencies, reunions, or simply rest. As long as you stay informed, prepared, and empathetic, it can be a positive experience for both sides.

Peekaboo is here to support families not only in finding the right helper but also in navigating the journey that comes after, including travel, onboarding, and long-term trust.

If you’re unsure whether your helper needs a NOC or travel support, our visa support page explains it all clearly.