SR20,000 fine: Saudi bars employers from charging domestic workers for recruitment, residency permit

Saudi government has barred employers from charging domestic workers any fees, including recruitment, work permit, iqama, and change of profession, offering a major relief to employees, according to Saudi Gazette report.

The provisions are outlined in the newly released Guide to the Rights and Obligations of Domestic Workers, issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

Employers violating the rules face fines of up to SAR20,000 and a three-year ban on hiring domestic workers, while repeat offenders will face tougher penalties, according to Saudi Gazette.

 "The regulations include a package of rights that guarantee the domestic worker a decent life and a stable work environment," read the publication.

Under the new rules, domestic workers are guaranteed full pay, weekly rest, daily breaks, and one month of paid leave every two years.

They are also guaranteed the right to keep their personal documents, including passports and residency permits (iqama), without any interference from employers, it added.

Employers must provide suitable accommodation, meals or a cash allowance, healthcare coverage, and ensure workers can communicate freely with their families.

The guide also lists recognised professions within the domestic sector, such as drivers, home nurses, cooks, tailors, butlers, and house managers. It allows for new categories to be added as needed. 

 According to a guide available on the Saudi human resources ministry’s website, professions/jobs permitted by law in the domestic worker sector include “domestic worker, private driver, educator, home nurse, home cook, home planning, home travel, home life, home manager, home guard, home farmer, home coffee-maker, personal assistant, and physical therapy specialist.”

 These provisions are included in the Guide to the Rights and Obligations of Domestic Workers, a copy of which was obtained by Okaz. The guide, released by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, consists of a comprehensive package of legislation regulating the relationship between employers and employees.

 The regulations include a package of rights that guarantee the domestic worker a decent life and a stable work environment. These include not charging from domestic workers any fees related to recruitment, change of professions, transfer of services, residency permit (iqama) and work permits. It is also stipulated that domestic workers shall be disbursed with their wages according to the unified contract signed with the employer. The regulations emphasized the worker's right to a weekly rest day agreed upon in the contract. Daily rest hours of no less than 8 continuous hours, in addition to a full month's leave after completing two years of continuous work if the worker wishes to renew the work contract.