Saudi Arabia will make electronic salary transfers mandatory for every domestic worker beginning January 1, 2026, marking a nationwide shift away from cash payments in household employment.
The policy, confirmed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, obliges employers to pay wages through approved digital channels, a move intended to tighten wage protection and introduce clearer documentation into domestic work arrangements.
Under the framework, salaries will be routed through the Musaned platform and processed using recognised services, including participating banks and licensed digital wallets. The ministry said the system is designed to ensure consistency in wage payments, lower the likelihood of disputes, and simplify oversight and administrative processes across the sector.
For domestic workers, the electronic system creates an official record of payments, which can be used in matters such as contract termination, travel arrangements, or employment verification. It also allows workers to send money to family members overseas using the same regulated channels. Those who prefer cash access may withdraw their salaries through approved outlets using a Mada card issued in their name.
The transition to mandatory electronic payments has been introduced gradually. According to Okaz newspaper, the first phase took effect on July 1, 2024, covering domestic workers entering Saudi Arabia for the first time. Subsequent stages expanded the requirement to households employing larger numbers of workers: employers with four or more workers were included in January 2025, followed by those with three or more in July 2025, and households with at least two workers from October 1.
Once the final phase begins in January 2026, the rule will apply to all households employing domestic workers, regardless of the number hired.
Guidelines issued through Musaned state that salaries must be paid at the end of each Hijri month in accordance with the amount specified in the employment contract, unless an alternative arrangement is mutually agreed upon in writing and complies with wage protection rules.
For workers not covered by the Wage Protection System, payment by cash or cheque remains permissible with written proof, unless the worker formally requests that wages be transferred electronically.
