Domestic workers in private households
Conditions of your stay
This page explains how long you can stay in the UK as a domestic worker in a private household, and other conditions of your stay.
On this page
For more information about your rights and responsibilities during your stay, see the While you are in the UK section.
How long can you stay?
If you successfully apply for a visa, you will be allowed to come here as a domestic worker in a private household for up to 6 months.
The visa in your passport tells you the date when your permission to stay expires. If it is for less than 6 months, you can apply to extend it up to the maximum total of 6 months.
Employment rights
You and your employer should already have agreed the conditions of your employment. You should have a copy of the conditions.
Your employer cannot change the conditions of your employment unless you agree. You must:
- be paid the agreed rate, which must be at least the national minimum wage; and
- not be forced to work excessive hours; and
- be given agreed holiday pay; and
- be given the notice you are entitled to if your employment ends.
If your employer does not meet the requirements above, you should be able to take legal action through an employment or industrial tribunal or the civil courts.
Public funds
As a domestic worker you will be expected to support yourself during your time in the UK without claiming state benefits or other public funds.
Changing jobs
You are not allowed to move to another job after you have arrived in the UK.
Travelling abroad
If you travel abroad, you can normally come back to the UK to complete your stay provided you can show that you are still employed as a domestic worker in a private household. You should carry a letter from your employer saying that they will continue to employ you when you return to the UK.
If your employer leaves the UK
You are expected to leave the UK when your employer returns home. You must leave the UK when your permission to stay ends or when your employer leaves, whichever is sooner. If your employer is visiting the UK and takes a short trip to another country, you may stay here while your employer is away, provided your employer is coming back here.
Advice and support
Kalayaan is an organisation that can provide free, confidential and independent advice to domestic workers in the UK. Kalayaan is not part of the Home Office.
Kalayaan
St Francis of Assisi Community Centre
13 Hippodrome Place
London W11 4SFPhone: 020 7243 2942
Fax: 020 7792 3060Email: info@kalayaan.org.uk
Website: www.kalayaan.org.uk
You should contact Kalayaan directly for details of opening times.