In a major step toward strengthening human rights awareness and safeguarding domestic workers in the UAE, the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), recently held an impactful awareness workshop in Ajman.
The event brought together staff members from domestic worker recruitment centres across the emirate, uniting them under a common purpose — to build a more informed, empathetic, and responsible workforce dedicated to protecting the rights and welfare of domestic workers.
A Vision Rooted in Respect and Responsibility
The workshop was not just another government initiative; it was a deeply human-centred experience. It served as a reflection of the UAE’s continued efforts to elevate the standard of treatment and understanding extended to domestic workers — individuals who form the silent backbone of many homes across the country.
Organisers from NHRI and MoHRE were focused on more than just legal frameworks and compliance checklists. Their shared goal was to nurture a cultural shift — one that promotes dignity, fairness, and compassion in how recruitment centre staff interact with and manage the domestic workforce.
Educating the Frontline of Domestic Employment
Participants of the workshop were given comprehensive training that covered a range of relevant topics. From understanding the legal rights of domestic workers to learning about ethical hiring practices, the sessions were tailored to empower recruitment staff with both knowledge and empathy.
Experts addressed important areas such as worker contracts, grievance handling, cultural sensitivity, and the importance of non-discriminatory practices. These topics sparked rich dialogue among the attendees, many of whom shared their own experiences and challenges faced in their daily roles.
Rather than a top-down lecture, the sessions were interactive, ensuring that everyone felt heard. This sense of inclusion not only made the workshop more engaging, but also reinforced the values that NHRI and MoHRE stand for — inclusion, fairness, and accountability.
Real Conversations, Real Change
One of the most moving aspects of the workshop was the open forum where attendees were encouraged to ask questions and offer feedback. For many, it was the first time they had the space to speak candidly about the practical hurdles they encounter.
This honest exchange of views helped uncover gaps in awareness, highlighted areas for future training, and allowed for the collaborative development of new strategies to improve working conditions for domestic staff. It became evident that when people are given the tools and the opportunity, they are more than willing to become advocates for positive change.
A Shared Responsibility to Uphold Rights
The event served as a timely reminder that protecting human rights is not the sole responsibility of national institutions — it is a shared duty across all sectors of society, especially those in close contact with vulnerable groups.
Recruitment centres play a crucial role in shaping the experiences of domestic workers, from their very first interaction in the UAE. Ensuring that their staff are well-informed, compassionate, and respectful is essential in building a just and inclusive labour environment.
NHRI’s commitment to working hand-in-hand with MoHRE underscores a united front. Together, they aim to ensure that domestic workers — often overlooked in public discourse — are afforded the dignity, respect, and protection they rightfully deserve.
A Model for Future Training Initiatives
The Ajman awareness workshop was more than a one-time training session; it served as a prototype for future initiatives across the UAE. Plans are underway to replicate the model in other emirates, extending the reach and impact of the program.
The overwhelming response from attendees proved that such educational interventions are not only needed, but deeply appreciated. Participants left with a renewed sense of purpose, equipped with tools to foster better relationships with domestic workers and uphold higher ethical standards in their recruitment processes.
Building a Culture of Care and Accountability
Beyond legislation and policies, what truly stood out from the event was the human element. Faces lit up with understanding. Conversations turned from compliance to compassion. And for many attendees, the workshop represented a turning point — a realisation that their roles held the power to influence lives in meaningful ways.
By investing in awareness and education, NHRI and MoHRE are not just ticking boxes; they are actively building a more inclusive and respectful society from the ground up.
An Ongoing Journey Towards Empowerment
This workshop is just the beginning. As more initiatives roll out across the UAE, the vision is clear: a country where domestic workers are treated with honour, where recruitment staff are respected as key players in societal wellbeing, and where human rights are not just protected by law, but championed in everyday practice.
For the domestic worker recruitment centre staff in Ajman, the day ended with more than new knowledge — it ended with a deeper sense of responsibility, a broader view of their impact, and a heartfelt commitment to be part of a larger movement toward justice and respect.
Because at the heart of every household, behind every well-cared-for home, is the effort of a domestic worker. And ensuring their dignity is not just good practice — it’s the right thing to do.
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