1. Introduction and Who We Are

Milaap is a free, volunteer-run platform that connects skilled blue-collar and domestic workers with employers in the Gulf region and beyond. We are committed to protecting your personal data and your right to privacy.

This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect, why we collect it, how we use it, and what rights you have over your data. It applies to all users of the Milaap website at www.projectmilaap.com, including workers who register their profiles, employers who post requirements, and visitors who browse the platform.

This platform is operated in compliance with the UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on the Protection of Personal Data (PDPL), which came into effect on 2nd January 2022.

2. What Personal Data We Collect

We collect only the information necessary to connect workers with suitable employment opportunities.

2.1 Worker Registration Data

When a skilled worker registers on Milaap, we collect:

We do not collect identity document numbers, passport details, photographs, financial information, or any biometric data at the registration stage.

2.2 Employer Registration Data

When a company or individual employer registers, we collect their name, work email, phone number, company details, location, and hiring requirements.

2.3 Technical Data

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect standard technical data such as your IP address, browser type, and pages visited. This is used solely for security and to improve the platform's performance.

3. How We Use Your Personal Data

For Workers: We use your data to create and maintain your registration profile, share your professional details with verified employers who are looking for workers matching your skills, and to contact you if a potential employer expresses interest.

For Employers: We use your data to verify your registration, create your employer profile, match your hiring requirements with suitable worker profiles, and contact you regarding relevant matches.

For All Users: We use data to respond to queries, send important platform updates (no unsolicited marketing), and comply with applicable UAE laws.

We process your data on the legal basis of consent (you actively submit this form) and performance of a service (connecting you with employment opportunities), as permitted under the UAE PDPL.

4. What We Will Never Do With Your Data

Milaap is a completely free, non-commercial, volunteer-run initiative. We have no financial incentive to misuse your data.

5. Who We Share Your Data With

With Employers: When an employer searches for workers matching your trade, location, and experience, your professional profile (name, trade, experience, location, visa status, and phone number) may be shared with that employer so they can contact you directly. By registering on Milaap, you consent to this sharing.

With Service Providers: We use trusted third-party technology providers to host and operate the platform. These providers are bound by data processing agreements and may not use your data for their own purposes.

For Legal Compliance: We may disclose your data if required to do so by UAE law, court order, or government authority — only to the minimum extent required.

We do not share your data with any other parties.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal data for as long as your registration remains active on the platform. If you request deletion of your data, we will remove your profile within 30 days of receiving your request. Some data may be retained in anonymised or aggregated form for statistical purposes, but this data cannot be used to identify you.

7. Your Rights Under UAE PDPL

Under the UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at [email protected]. We will respond within 30 days.

8. Data Security

The Milaap platform uses HTTPS encryption on all pages, Cloudflare protection for secure traffic handling, SSL certificates on the domain, and access controls to ensure only authorised personnel can access the database. While we take all reasonable precautions, no online platform can guarantee absolute security. In the event of a data breach that poses a risk to your privacy, we will notify affected users and the UAE Data Office as required by the PDPL.

9. Cross-Border Data Transfers

Milaap serves workers and employers across multiple countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, India, Philippines, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Your data may be processed and stored on servers located outside your home country. We ensure that any cross-border transfer of personal data is conducted in accordance with the UAE PDPL and applicable data protection laws.

10. Children's Privacy

Milaap is a platform for working adults seeking employment. We do not knowingly collect personal data from individuals under the age of 18. If you believe a minor has submitted data through our platform, please contact us immediately at [email protected] and we will delete the data promptly.

11. Cookies and Tracking

Our website uses minimal cookies necessary for the platform to function (such as session cookies for login). We do not use tracking cookies, advertising cookies, or third-party analytics that identify individual users.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or in applicable law. When we make significant changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact us:

14. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United Arab Emirates, including the UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on the Protection of Personal Data (PDPL). Any disputes arising in connection with this policy shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the UAE courts.