Saudi Arabia has announced new regulations for domestic workers, introducing strict rules to protect their rights and prevent exploitation under the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development’s latest guidelines.
According to the ministry’s “Guide to the Rights and Obligations of Domestic Workers,” employers are now strictly prohibited from collecting any kind of fees from their domestic staff.
The restriction covers recruitment charges, work permit costs, service transfer fees, and profession change expenses, all of which are now the sole responsibility of the employer or recruitment agency.
Violators will face fines of up to SR20,000 and a three-year ban on hiring domestic workers. The ministry further warned that repeat offenders could receive even harsher penalties.
Officials said the newly introduced guide aims to establish a comprehensive legal framework that ensures fair treatment, contractual protection, and decent living conditions for domestic staff working in the Kingdom.
The regulations also outline a series of key rights for domestic workers, including full payment of wages as stated in the unified employment contract between the employer and employee.
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Every domestic worker is entitled to one weekly rest day, at least eight consecutive hours of rest daily, and one month of paid leave every two years of continuous service.
The rules also guarantee the right to retain personal documents, such as passports and residency cards, to prevent cases of withholding or forced dependency by employers.
Employers are required to provide adequate housing, food or a cash allowance, and access to healthcare services to all domestic employees under their supervision.
The guide also stresses the workers’ right to communicate freely with their families and to seek help in cases of abuse, exploitation, or contract violations.
Additionally, the Ministry has formally recognized specific domestic professions including drivers, home nurses, cooks, tailors, butlers, and house managers, while noting that new job roles may be added over time.
