The UAE is set to sign an agreement with the Philippines to protect maids who are currently not covered by the country’s labour laws, said a report.

The agreement on household service workers (HSWs) is expected to stop contract substitution and other violation by their employers, said the Khaleej Times report.

“The Philippines will be waiting for the note verbale from the UAE government when it is ready anytime in November. If it pushes through as agreed by both countries, it will become the first such accord with the Philippines,” Philippine Labour Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz was quoted as saying.

The unified contract will be patterned after the same in Saudi Arabia, aimed at preventing the exploitation of Filipina maids.