Register your domestic worker for UIF: It’s the law, says government
Employers hiring domestic workers for 24+ hours a month must register them with the UIF. Failure to comply could lead to fines and legal action.
LIMPOPO – “If you employ a domestic worker for 24 hours or more a month, you must register them with the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF). It’s not optional, it’s a legal obligation.”
These were the words of the Department of Employment and Labour’s Inspector-General Aggy Moiloa at the National Policy Dialogue on Strengthening the Protection of Human Rights of Workers in the Informal Economy in Pretoria.
Who must be registered?
Any domestic worker – including cleaners, gardeners, nannies, drivers, au pairs, and caregivers for the sick, elderly or disabled – who works more than 24 hours per month must be registered with the UIF.
This applies regardless of whether they work full-time or part-time. Even if they work just over 24 hours a month, they must be registered.
How to register
Employers can register their domestic workers through the following methods:
- Online: Use the Department of Labour’s uFiling system at ufiling.labour.gov.za
- Email: Send completed forms to domestics@uif.gov.za or newuifregistrations@labour.gov.za
- In person: Visit your nearest Labour Centre
- By post: Send forms to The UIF, Pretoria, 0052
- Telephonically: Call 012 337 1680 for assistance
How UIF contributions work
The total monthly contribution is 2% of the employee’s gross monthly salary:
- 1% contributed by the employer
- 1% deducted from the employee’s salary
For example, if a domestic worker earns R5 000 a month, both employer and employee contribute R50 each, totalling R100 per month.
What happens if you don’t register?
Non-compliance is an offence. Penalties can include:
- A 10% penalty on outstanding amounts plus daily interest
- Fines of up to R10 000
- Legal action, including potential imprisonment
- Back payment of missed contributions
Why it matters
The UIF provides domestic workers with financial relief in cases of unemployment, illness, maternity leave, adoption leave, and death benefits.
However, despite these legal requirements, many domestic workers remain unregistered. A recent survey found that 77% of domestic workers are not registered for UIF, leaving them vulnerable without a safety net.
