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UK embassy tightens visa norms for maids

Speaking to Khaleej Times, a spokesperson from the British embassy said: “In order to qualify for a domestic worker (in a private household) visa, the employee must have been working for their sponsor for at least 12 months.”

The spokesperson said 2,155 visas were issued in UAE for domestic helps during 2004. “Each application is considered under the relevant immigration rule and is considered on its own merits. Domestic workers who wish to extend their stay in the United Kingdom must apply to the Home Office for permission to do so,” the spokesperson added.

The requirements by the British embassy for issue of visa to an overseas domestic worker in a private household includes passport with a minimum of six months’ validity, bearing a recent photograph and a valid residence visa for the United Arab Emirates, appropriate application form(s) with two recent passport size photographs which should be full face (without sunglasses and normally without a hat or other head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of their religious belief or ethnic background), letter from local employer/sponsor stating the duration of the proposed visit, and confirming that the applicant is travelling in the company of his/her employer, his/her employer’s spouse, or his/her employer’s minor child, appropriate forms stating the main terms and conditions of employment and an undertaking as to the maintenance and accommodation of the applicant should be completed and signed by the employer.

Besides, the applicant must be aged beween18-65, and should have been employed as a domestic worker in the private household, of his/her current employer for at least one year, confirmation of flight booking showing that the applicant intends to travel with or to join the sponsor in the United Kingdom and the applicant must be able to maintain and accommodate him/herself, as certified by his/her employer, without recourse to public funds.

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