The Punjab Government has officially approved a new set of rules and regulations for domestic workers, marking a significant step toward improving their working conditions, rights, and safety.
These new laws introduce clear standards for employment, working hours, health, and overall workplace conduct — aiming to ensure that domestic staff across Punjab receive the protection and respect they deserve.
🧾 Formal Employment Letter Now Mandatory
Every domestic worker must now have a Letter of Employment on “Form A.”
This document will clearly define the worker’s job role, wages, and responsibilities — ensuring transparency between the employer and employee.
🏠 Safe and Respectful Work Environment
Employers are now legally required to provide a clean, safe, and respectful workplace.
They must also ensure access to:
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Clean drinking water
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A proper place to rest
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Adequate meals
For pregnant female workers, lighter duties and safety measures are mandatory. Employers must also ensure a supportive environment throughout maternity.
⏱️ Regulated Overtime and Fair Pay
Employers can assign extra work only with written consent from the worker.
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Overtime limit: 8 hours per week
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Payment: Double wages for overtime hours
This is a major shift from previous informal practices, giving workers a fair say and rightful compensation.
📆 Annual Leave and Record Keeping
Employers must maintain records of annual leave in “Form B.”
For maternity leave, female domestic workers must submit notice through “Form D.”
Additionally, domestic staff living on-site must be provided with:
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A minimum 42-square-foot room
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Proper light, ventilation, and privacy
🏥 Health and Safety Requirements
Employers must obtain a health certificate for each worker using “Form E.”
In the unfortunate event of an accident or death, reports must be filed through “Form F” and “Form G.”
⚖️ Dispute Resolution System
If any issue arises — such as the non-return of personal belongings — domestic workers can now approach the Dispute Resolution Committee established at the Union Council (UC) level.
These committees are responsible for resolving conflicts fairly and efficiently.
🌐 All Forms Available Online
All official forms — from Form A to Form G — can be downloaded directly from the Punjab Labour Department’s website, making compliance easier for both employers and workers.
🗣️ A Step Toward Worker Dignity
These regulations mark a turning point in how domestic work is recognized in Punjab.
By bringing domestic labor under formal protection, the government aims to create a safer, fairer, and more dignified environment for thousands of workers — many of whom have long operated without legal safeguards.
