House Help Jobs in Saudi Arabia, UAE (Dubai) & Qatar – Complete 2026 Guide for Africans
Introduction: Why the Gulf Remains a Top Destination for African Domestic Workers
Featured Snippet Answer: The Gulf attracts African house helps due to higher salaries, free accommodation, legal work visas, and consistent demand for domestic workers in Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar.
Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
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Read Related: 12 Reasons Why Kenyan House Helps Go for Work in Gulf Countries (Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Dubai, UAE)
This pillar guide explains the real, current process Africans use to secure house help / domestic worker jobs in the Gulf. It is written for workers, families, trainers, and recruitment agencies, with special focus on Kenyans and East Africans.
We cover:
Step-by-step recruitment process
Country-specific requirements
Age limits & qualifications
Medical and government compliance
Salaries & benefits
Risks, red flags & worker protection
This is an evergreen, practical resource you can bookmark and share.
Countries Hiring African House Helps
Main Destination Countries
Saudi Arabia (largest employer)
United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah
Qatar
Kuwait
Oman
Bahrain
Saudi Arabia (largest employer)
United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah
Qatar
Kuwait
Oman
Bahrain
Major Source Countries in Africa
Kenya 🇰🇪
Uganda 🇺🇬
Tanzania 🇹🇿
Ethiopia 🇪🇹
Ghana 🇬🇭
Nigeria 🇳🇬
Kenya 🇰🇪
Uganda 🇺🇬
Tanzania 🇹🇿
Ethiopia 🇪🇹
Ghana 🇬🇭
Nigeria 🇳🇬
Non‑African Benchmark
Philippines 🇵🇭 (often sets wage & training standards)
Philippines 🇵🇭 (often sets wage & training standards)
JOBS AVAILABLE – DOMESTIC and HOUSEHOLD POSITIONS in Nairobi
Types of House Help Jobs in the Gulf
Domestic work in the Gulf is categorized into:
Live‑in house maid
Live‑out house help (limited availability)
Nanny / child caregiver
Elderly caregiver
Cook / kitchen helper
Cleaner / general housekeeper
Most Gulf contracts are live‑in, meaning accommodation and food are provided.
Step‑by‑Step Process: How Africans Get House Help Jobs in the Gulf
Quick Answer (Snippet-Friendly): Africans get house help jobs in the Gulf by registering with licensed recruitment agencies, completing medical and government requirements, securing a work visa, and traveling under a verified employment contract.
Step 1: Decide the Country & Job Type
Workers must first choose:
Preferred country (Saudi, UAE, Qatar, etc.)
Type of job (maid, nanny, caregiver)
Willingness for live‑in work
Saudi Arabia is usually the fastest and easiest entry point for first‑time workers.
Step 2: Register With a Licensed Recruitment Agency
For Kenyans and East Africans, this is the most important step.
✔ Always use a government‑licensed recruitment agency ✘ Avoid brokers, social media agents, or WhatsApp deals
Licensed agencies:
Match workers with verified employers
Process contracts & visas
Handle medical tests & travel
Offer pre‑departure orientation
Never pay full fees upfront without official receipts and contracts.
Step 3: Interview & Employer Selection
Interviews may be:
In‑person
Video call
Profile‑based (employer selects from profiles)
Employers often assess:
Communication skills
Attitude & hygiene
Childcare or cooking experience
Willingness to learn
Once selected, an official job offer/contract is issued.
Step 4: Documentation & Legal Processing
This stage includes passports, visas, medicals, and government clearances.
Requirements for House Help Jobs in the Gulf
High-Intent Keywords Naturally Targeted: house help job requirements Saudi Arabia, domestic worker requirements UAE, Gulf maid job qualifications
1. Age Requirements
Typical age limits:
Minimum: 21 years
Maximum: 45 years (some countries allow up to 50)
Saudi Arabia is stricter on age compliance.
2. Education Requirements
Basic literacy (reading & writing)
No formal degree required
English or Arabic is an advantage
Basic literacy (reading & writing)
No formal degree required
English or Arabic is an advantage
3. Work Experience
Not mandatory but preferred:
Childcare experience
Housekeeping or hotel work
Elderly care
First‑time workers are accepted, especially in Saudi Arabia.
Mandatory Documentation Needed
Core Documents
Valid passport (at least 2 years validity)
National ID or birth certificate
Passport‑size photos
Signed employment contract
Valid passport (at least 2 years validity)
National ID or birth certificate
Passport‑size photos
Signed employment contract
Additional Documents
Police clearance certificate (Certificate of Good Conduct)
Medical fitness certificate (GCC‑approved clinics)
Visa authorization from destination country
Training certificate (where applicable)
Police clearance certificate (Certificate of Good Conduct)
Medical fitness certificate (GCC‑approved clinics)
Visa authorization from destination country
Training certificate (where applicable)
Read More: What Every Employer Must Know Before Choosing a Nanny or Domestic Worker
Medical Requirements (Very Strict)
All workers must pass a Gulf‑approved medical test.
Tests usually include:
HIV/AIDS
Hepatitis B & C
Tuberculosis (TB)
Pregnancy test (for women)
General physical exam
❗ Failing medical tests automatically cancels deployment.
Government Requirements (Kenya & East Africa Focus)
For Kenyan Workers
Before departure, Kenyan workers must:
Use a NEA‑licensed recruitment agency
Undergo pre‑departure orientation training
Have a verified job contract
Be cleared for overseas employment
Travel on a valid work visa (not visit visa)
The government discourages independent travel for domestic work.
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| A Kenyan house help in Qatar |
For Other African Countries
Processes are similar:
Ministry of Labour clearance
Approved agencies
Medical & police checks
Exit clearance at immigration
Visa & Arrival Process in the Gulf
After approval:
Employer issues work visa
Worker travels with agency support
Arrival pickup by sponsor/employer
Residence permit (Iqama/Emirates ID) processed
Workers must never surrender passports permanently.
10 Warning Signs of a Bad House Girl Every Employer Must Know
Salary Offers for House Help Jobs (2026 Estimates)
Featured Snippet Answer: House help salaries in Saudi Arabia range from SAR 1,000–1,500, while UAE pays AED 1,200–2,500 depending on experience and role.
Saudi Arabia
Average salary: SAR 1,000 – 1,500
Nannies/caregivers: up to SAR 1,800
Food & accommodation provided
Average salary: SAR 1,000 – 1,500
Nannies/caregivers: up to SAR 1,800
Food & accommodation provided
United Arab Emirates (Dubai & Abu Dhabi)
Salary: AED 1,200 – 2,500
Higher pay for English‑speaking nannies
Some live‑out roles (rare)
Salary: AED 1,200 – 2,500
Higher pay for English‑speaking nannies
Some live‑out roles (rare)
Qatar
Salary: QAR 1,200 – 2,000
Strong labor monitoring
Good rest day enforcement
Salary: QAR 1,200 – 2,000
Strong labor monitoring
Good rest day enforcement
Kuwait, Oman & Bahrain
Salary range: USD 300 – 500 equivalent
Benefits vary by employer
Salary range: USD 300 – 500 equivalent
Benefits vary by employer
Philippines Comparison
Often paid 20–40% higher
Strong embassy protection
High training standards
Often paid 20–40% higher
Strong embassy protection
High training standards
Working Conditions & Benefits
Typical benefits include:
Free accommodation
Free food
Medical insurance
Paid annual leave
Return ticket after contract
Contracts usually run for 2 years.
Worker Rights in the Gulf
Recent reforms have improved conditions:
Weekly rest days (country‑dependent)
Salary protection systems
Contract enforcement
Access to embassies & labor offices
Workers should always keep:
Copy of contract
Emergency contacts
Embassy phone numbers
Precautions & Safety Tips (Very Important)
What to Avoid
❌ Unlicensed agents ❌ Tourist/visit visas for work ❌ Paying full fees upfront ❌ Verbal promises only
What to Do
✔ Verify agency license ✔ Read contracts carefully ✔ Inform family before travel ✔ Attend pre‑departure training
Common Challenges Faced by House Helps
Culture shock
Long working hours
Language barriers
Homesickness
Culture shock
Long working hours
Language barriers
Homesickness
Proper preparation reduces these risks significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can men work as house helps in the Gulf?
Yes, but opportunities are limited compared to women.
Can I change employer?
Depends on country laws and contract conditions.
Is domestic work safe in the Gulf?
Yes, when done through legal channels and licensed agencies.
Final Thoughts: Is Working as a House Help in the Gulf Worth It?
For many Africans, especially Kenyans and East Africans, domestic work in the Gulf remains a life‑changing economic opportunity when done legally and safely.
Success depends on:
Using licensed agencies
Understanding rights & contracts
Preparing mentally & physically
With proper guidance, house help jobs in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and the wider Gulf can be safe, dignified, and rewarding.
Contact Us on WhatsAppAbout the Author
House Girls Village & BureauDomestic Staff Placement Experts in Kenya
This article was written by the team at House Girls Village & Bureau, a domestic staff placement bureau based in Kenya. With hands-on experience in recruiting, training, and placing house helps for Kenyan households, we work closely with both employers and domestic workers to ensure fair, safe, and professional placements. Our daily work involves screening candidates, advising families, resolving placement issues, and promoting ethical domestic employment practices.
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