Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced the full implementation of mandatory electronic salary payments for all domestic workers effective January 1, 2026. This landmark policy requires employers to process wages exclusively through the official Musaned platform using authorized financial channels including digital wallets and participating banking institutions.
The comprehensive digital payment system represents a significant advancement in labor protection, designed to guarantee secure wage transfers, minimize employment disputes, and streamline administrative procedures for both employers and workers. The initiative forms part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to modernize the domestic worker sector and enhance transparency in employment contracts.
According to official guidelines, salaries must correspond exactly to the amounts specified in employment contracts and should typically be processed at the conclusion of each Hijri month, unless both parties formally agree to alternative arrangements. While the system mandates electronic transfer, workers retain the option to withdraw cash using government-issued Mada cards through approved channels.
The ministry implemented this transformation through a carefully structured phased rollout beginning July 2024. The initial phase targeted first-time domestic workers entering the Kingdom, followed by incremental expansion based on employer workforce size. The final phase encompassing all remaining domestic workers takes effect January 2026.
This electronic wage system provides multiple advantages including reliable payment verification, simplified administrative processes during contract transitions or international travel, and secure international remittance capabilities for workers supporting families abroad. The policy establishes a new standard for labor rights protection in the region’s domestic employment sector.