Saudi Arabia Announces New Rules for Hiring Domestic Workers

Saudi Arabia has introduced strict new regulations prohibiting employers from collecting any fees from domestic workers, including those related to recruitment, work permits, transfers of service, or changes of profession, Okaz reported.

Under the new rules — part of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development’s “Guide to the Rights and Obligations of Domestic Workers” — violators face fines of up to SR20,000 and a three-year ban on hiring domestic workers. Repeat offenders may receive harsher penalties.

The ministry said the guide establishes a comprehensive legal framework to ensure fair treatment, decent living standards, and contractual protection for domestic staff.

Key rights for domestic workers

The updated regulations guarantee:

• Full payment of wages under the unified employment contract
• One weekly rest day
• At least eight consecutive hours of rest per day
• One month of paid leave every two years
• The right to retain personal documents, including passports and residency IDs
• Adequate housing and either food or a cash allowance
• Healthcare coverage
• The ability to communicate with family

The guide also categorizes recognized domestic roles such as drivers, home nurses, cooks, tailors, butlers and house managers, with provisions allowing additional professions to be added over time.