Saudi Arabia has introduced stringent regulations to safeguard the rights of domestic workers, prohibiting employers from imposing recruitment, work permit, or transfer fees. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) issued the ‘Guide to the Rights and Obligations of Domestic Workers,’ which outlines comprehensive protections aimed at ensuring fair treatment and dignity for workers across the Kingdom. Employers found violating these rules face fines of up to SR20,000, a three-year ban on hiring domestic workers, and potentially permanent bans with doubled penalties for repeat offenses. The guide mandates timely wage payments, weekly rest days, eight hours of daily rest, and one month of paid leave after two years of service. Workers are also entitled to free return tickets home every two years, end-of-service bonuses, and up to 30 days of sick leave annually. Additionally, employers are barred from confiscating workers’ passports or iqamas, reinforcing their independence. The regulations cover a wide range of domestic roles, including housekeepers, drivers, nurses, and cooks, with provisions to expand the list as needed. Employers must provide suitable housing, healthcare, and a safe work environment, while workers are expected to maintain professionalism, respect household property, and adhere to Saudi laws and customs. The MHRSD emphasized that these measures reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to justice, equality, and human dignity in employment relationships, fostering a stable and ethical work environment.
Saudi Arabia bans employers from charging domestic workers recruitment, permit fees
