Saudi Arabia has introduced sweeping regulations that forbid employers from imposing any fees on domestic workers, including those tied to recruitment, work permits, or job transfers, according to a report by Okaz newspaper.
Under the new rules issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, employers caught violating the policy could face fines of up to SR20,000 and a three-year suspension from hiring domestic workers. Repeat violations will attract stricter penalties.
The updated Guide to the Rights and Obligations of Domestic Workers lays out a clear framework to safeguard the welfare of workers in private households. It mandates timely and full payment of wages under the unified employment contract and guarantees key entitlements such as a weekly day off, at least eight consecutive hours of daily rest, and one month of paid leave every two years.
Domestic workers are also assured the right to keep their personal documents, including passports and residency permits, without employer interference.
Additionally, employers must provide adequate housing, food or a food allowance, healthcare coverage, and ensure workers have means to contact their families.
The guide defines recognized professions within the domestic sector—such as drivers, cooks, home nurses, tailors, and house managers—and leaves room for expanding the list as the labor market evolves.
