Overseas domestic workers in a private household and their employers are affected by the leaflet update of 25 February 2026, which covers information on making a new application to come to the UK.
Key facts
- Who: Overseas domestic workers in a private household, including those working for a visitor to the UK or a diplomat, and their employers
- From: 25 February 2026
- Source: Overseas domestic workers: supporting documents
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) updated the "Leaflet for persons coming to the UK as an overseas domestic worker" on 25 February 2026. The update concerns information about making a new application for permission to come to the UK. Applicants need the "Appendix domestic worker statement" to apply.
Application and arrival. The leaflet says the worker and employer must have agreed the work, pay and working hours, and both signed a document recording this. The document must be submitted with the visa application. After the visa application centre (VAC) appointment for fingerprints and a photo, the passport is returned. The applicant then receives an email confirming the outcome, with guidance on next steps. On arrival, a Border Force officer checks the visa and passport.
Length of stay. For a worker in the home of a visitor, the leaflet says the worker must travel with the employer or their husband, wife or child. Such a worker can change employer without UKVI permission but cannot stay more than 6 months. For a worker in a diplomat's home, the visa is initially for 24 months, and the worker may apply to stay longer if the employer is still in the UK and the worker is still working for them.
Employment rights. The leaflet states that:
- The employer must pay at least the National Minimum Wage.
- The maximum an employer can deduct for accommodation is currently £7 per day or £49.00 a week, and the worker must still be left with at least the National Minimum Wage after any deduction.
- Workers must be given regular payslips.
- Workers must be given an uninterrupted 20 minute rest break if they work more than 6 hours in a day, 11 hours of rest between working days, at least 1 full day off each week (or 2 full days every 2 weeks), and at least 5.6 weeks' paid holiday per year, pro-rated as appropriate.
- The Immigration Rules require the employer to confirm in writing that they will not seek to claim any exemption from paying the National Minimum Wage.
Employers are not allowed to take a worker's passport in the UK. The leaflet says a worker can report this to the police.
What this means for applicants
Workers and employers need a signed written agreement on duties, pay and hours to submit with the application. After the VAC appointment, applicants receive an email with the outcome and next steps. The leaflet says they should keep their passport with them when they travel to the UK.
The leaflet lists support organisations, including the Modern Slavery Helpline (0800 0121 700) and the Home Office voluntary returns service (0300 004 0202).
Related guide: UK eVisa
Sources