Domestic Worker in a Private Household Visa Translation Guide
The Domestic Worker visa lets a domestic employee travel to the UK with their foreign employer for up to 6 months. This route has strong safeguards against exploitation. So accurate translation matters.
What the Domestic Worker Visa Covers
The UK's Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa allows:
- An existing domestic worker (housekeeper, nanny, chauffeur, cook, personal carer)
- Employed by a non-UK family for at least 1 year before the visit
- To travel with the employer to the UK for up to 6 months
- With strong protections against exploitation (the right to change employer while in the UK)
Strict Eligibility
The employer must be coming to the UK on a Visitor visa, on diplomatic duty, or returning from settled status abroad. The worker must have worked for that employer for at least one year before the UK trip. UKVI checks this to stop visa misuse and to protect workers.
Required Documents and Translations
| Document | Purpose | Translation? |
|---|---|---|
| Worker's passport | Identity | No |
| Employer's passport | Link to employer | No |
| Employment contract (home country) | Proves 1+ year employment | Yes if non-English |
| Pay records / salary slips | Confirms employment ongoing | Yes if non-English |
| Employer's UK travel evidence | Visitor visa, diplomatic papers | No (typically English) |
| Terms and conditions letter | UK-period employment terms | Yes if non-English |
| Work and residence permits (home country) | Legal employment history | Yes if non-English |
| Bank statements (maintenance) | Self-sufficiency | Yes if non-English |
The Terms and Conditions Letter: What Must Appear
UKVI needs a letter signed by both employer and worker. It sets out the employment terms for the UK stay. The letter is often written in the household's own language. A certified translation must keep all of these details exactly:
- Worker's and employer's full names and home addresses.
- Duration of the UK visit.
- Daily working hours and rest days.
- Agreed wage (must be at least the UK National Minimum Wage).
- Accommodation arrangements in the UK.
- Description of duties.
- Notice and termination terms.
- A statement that the worker is free to change employers in the UK.
The Modern Slavery Safeguards
UKVI checks Domestic Worker applications closely to prevent abuse. The translation must state the worker's rights clearly. Missing or softened wording about the right to change employers is a red flag. A trustworthy translation keeps every protective clause from the original letter, even if the translator suspects the relationship is unequal.
Top Source Countries and Language Realities
Common applicant profiles include:
Philippines
Many bilingual (English and Tagalog). POEA (now DMW) overseas employment certificates may need translation.
Indonesia
Indonesian migration agency (BP2MI) documents, employment contracts, and training certificates are usually in Bahasa Indonesia.
Sri Lanka
SLBFE contracts, Sinhala/Tamil documents. Sri Lanka has its own domestic worker registration system.
Middle East origins
Domestic workers sponsored by Gulf-based employers coming to the UK. Arabic contracts, residency documents (Iqama), and work permits.
Diplomatic Domestic Workers
There is a separate sub-route for domestic workers of UK-based diplomats (FCDO concessions). These applications have extra requirements. The translations often cover ministerial accreditation letters, diplomatic notes, and residence permits issued by the sending country.
Common Translation Mistakes
- Not translating the 1-year employment letter in full — UKVI checks it closely.
- Leaving out pay records — salary slips and bank transfers often need translating too.
- Softening or rewording the worker-protection clauses in the UK terms letter.
- Treating the visa history in the worker's passport as unimportant — UKVI tracks legal employment.
- Forgetting to translate diplomatic accreditation letters in FCDO concession cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the worker bring family on this visa?
No. This visa does not allow dependants. The worker travels alone with the employer's household.
Can the visa be extended?
No. 6 months is the maximum. To stay longer you must leave and apply again. That is usually tied to a new employer visit to the UK.
What if my employer mistreats me in the UK?
UK law protects you. You can leave and change employer during the 6 months. The UK Modern Slavery Helpline (08000 121 700) and charities like Kalayaan can help you.
Do I need an Arabic translation of my Kafala contract?
Yes. Every employment contract that is not in English needs a certified English translation for the UK visa application. That includes Gulf Kafala sponsorship documents.
Does the Domestic Worker visa lead to settlement?
No. This route does not count toward ILR. Workers must leave at the end of the 6 months unless they qualify for another visa, which is rare.
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