In a landmark policy shift, Saudi Arabia has officially prohibited employers from deducting any fees from domestic workers, including costs related to recruitment, work permits, iqama issuance, or changes in job titles. The move is part of a broader effort to enhance labor protections and ensure fair treatment for household employees across the Kingdom.
New Guide Outlines Rights and Employer Responsibilities
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has released a comprehensive Guide to the Rights and Obligations of Domestic Workers, which outlines the legal framework governing domestic employment. The guide mandates that employers bear all associated costs and comply with a set of minimum standards designed to uphold worker dignity and welfare.
Violators of the new rules face fines of up to SAR 20,000 and a three-year ban on hiring domestic workers. Repeat offenses will trigger even stricter penalties, reinforcing the government’s commitment to curbing exploitation in the domestic labor sector.
Guaranteed Wages, Rest, and Document Autonomy
Under the updated regulations, domestic workers in Saudi Arabia are entitled to full and timely wages, one day off per week, daily rest periods, and one month of paid leave every two years. Crucially, they are also guaranteed the right to retain personal documents—including passports and iqama—without interference from employers, a safeguard aimed at preventing coercion and control.
Housing, Meals, and Healthcare Now Mandatory
Employers are now required to provide suitable accommodation, meals or a cash allowance, healthcare coverage, and ensure that workers can freely communicate with their families. These provisions are intended to create a safe, respectful, and humane working environment.
Recognized Roles and Sector Flexibility
The guide also defines recognized professions within the domestic sector, including drivers, cooks, tailors, home nurses, butlers, and house managers. It allows for the addition of new job categories as the sector evolves, ensuring flexibility and inclusivity.
This reform is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader labor modernization agenda, aligning its domestic employment standards with international norms. By eliminating exploitative fee structures and reinforcing basic rights, the Kingdom is taking a decisive step toward a more equitable and transparent employment landscape.
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