what are the RIGHTS of a foreign domestic worker/helper here in BRAZIL

Hi vhoiet,

It depends on whether you are working with a "Carteira de Trabalho Assinada" or not. If you're employed full-time then your employer is now required by law to sign your work permit (book) and you are guaranteed numerous rights under Brazil's labor laws. If you are working full-time and your employer has not signed your work book then they are breaking the law.

If you are NOT working full-time, only certain days of the week, then you are classified as a "Diarista" (day worker) and you essentially only have the right to be paid, and not much else, sad to say!

I don't know what specific provisions there are regarding national holidays, but things like working hours, days off, wages, and other benefits are all regulated. If you are working with your Carteira assinada, then you should contact the Ministério de Trabalho e Emprego - MTE  Centro de Apoio ao Trabalhador. They will be able to inform you of all your rights.

Cheers,
James        Expat-blog Experts Team

The following is a link to the Ministério de Trabalho e Emprego - MTE webpage explaining all of the workers' rights that apply to full-time domestics working with carteira de trabalho assinado:

http://www3.mte.gov.br/trab_domestico/t … reitos.asp

It is in Portuguese, so if you aren't fluent then copy & paste the text into Google Translator.

Also remember that some Brazilian states, RJ being one of them, have a minimum wage that is higher than the Federal Minimum Wage for domestics. RJ is presently R$874,76

thanks so much James!.. u're always a big help! :-) muito obrigado!