Legal Rights of Domestic Workers in Saudi Arabia (2024 Update)​


Saudi Arabia has implemented significant reforms to protect domestic workers, including housemaids, drivers, and cooks, under its Saudi Labor Law (2024 Revision)​​ and ​Maid Contract Regulations. However, many workers remain unaware of their rights, leading to exploitation. This guide breaks down the ​latest legal protections, common violations, and steps to seek justice—based on official Saudi policies, embassy advisories, and real worker experiences.



Who Qualifies as a Domestic Worker in KSA?​

The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources (MOHRSD)​​ defines domestic workers as:
✔ Housemaids
✔ Drivers
✔ Cooks
✔ Gardeners
✔ Private nurses

Note: These workers are covered under different laws​ than corporate employees.


Key Legal Rights for Domestic Workers (2024 Updates)​

1. Written Employment Contract​

  • Mandatory Terms:Salary (must meet Saudi minimum wage​ for domestic workers).Working hours (max 12 hours/day, with rest periods).Annual leave (30 days paid​ after one year).
  • Language Requirement: Contract must be ​Arabic + worker’s native language.

2. Wage Protections​

  • Minimum Wage:SAR 1,200/month​ (~₱18,000) for full-time domestic workers (2024 update).SAR 600/month​ for part-time (if working <6 hours/day).
  • Payment Rules:Salaries must be paid monthly via bank transfer​ (cash payments are illegal).No salary deductions unless agreed in writing (e.g., phone bills).

3. Working Hours & Rest Days​

  • Daily Limit: ​12 hours max​ (including breaks).
  • Weekly Rest: ​1 full day off per week​ (usually Friday).
  • Overtime: Must be ​paid at 150% of hourly wage​ if exceeding daily limits.

4. Accommodation & Food​

  • Housing Standards:Private room (can be shared with max 2 workers​ of the same gender).Access to clean water, electricity, and ventilation.
  • Food Allowance: If meals aren’t provided, employer must pay ​SAR 300/month extra.

5. Health Insurance & Sick Leave​

  • Medical Coverage: Employers must provide ​health insurance​ (basic package).
  • Sick Leave:30 days full pay​ per year.Additional 60 days at 75% pay​ if hospitalized.

6. Passport & Freedom of Movement​

  • Illegal Actions by Employers:Confiscating passports (punishable by SAR 5,000 fine).Forcing workers to stay indoors on rest days.
  • Right to Travel: Workers can keep passports and exit Saudi Arabia ​without employer permission​ after contract ends.

7. Contract Termination & End-of-Service Benefits​

  • Resignation: Worker can resign with ​30 days’ notice​ (no penalty).
  • Unfair Dismissal: If fired without cause, worker is owed:1 month salary​ for each year worked.Return flight ticket​ to home country.




Common Violations & How to Report Them​

1. Unpaid Salaries​

  • Action: File a complaint at the ​Tadawul (Labor Dispute) Office.
  • Proof Needed: Bank statements/text messages showing unpaid wages.

2. Physical or Verbal Abuse​

  • Emergency Numbers:Police (999)​Domestic Worker Helpline (19911)​
  • Embassy Support: Contact your ​home country’s embassy​ for legal aid.

3. Excessive Work Hours​

  • Solution: Keep a ​diary of daily tasks/timings​ as evidence.

4. Passport Confiscation​

  • Recovery Steps:Report to Tadawul Office.Embassy can issue emergency travel documents.


How to Seek Help (Step-by-Step)​

1. Document Everything​

  • Save:Contract copies.Photos of injuries/poor living conditions.WhatsApp messages/emails from employer.

2. Contact Authorities​

  • MOHRSD Hotline: ​19911​ (24/7, multilingual).
  • Tadawul Offices: Located in all major cities (e.g., Riyadh, Jeddah).

3. Embassy Assistance​

  • Philippines: ​PH Embassy Riyadh (+966 11 482 3555)​.
  • India: ​Indian Embassy Jeddah (+966 12 256 5300)​.

4. Shelter & Repatriation​

  • Government Shelters:Sanad Shelter (Riyadh): Provides food, legal aid, and flights home.Awasir (Jeddah): For female workers in crisis.


Success Stories​

Case 1: Filipina Maid Wins Unpaid Salary Case​

  • Issue: 8 months unpaid wages (SAR 9,600 owed).
  • Outcome: Employer fined ​SAR 10,000​ + full back pay.

Case 2: Kenyan Worker Escapes Abuse​

  • Action: Called ​19911​ after employer locked her in.
  • Result: Employer jailed, worker repatriated safely.


Myths vs. Facts​

❌ Myth: "Employers can cancel my visa anytime."
✅ Fact: Workers have ​72 hours after contract ends​ to find a new job.

❌ Myth: "I’ll be deported if I complain."
✅ Fact: Reporting abuse ​does NOT affect residency status.


Pre-Departure Checklist for Workers​

✔ Get contract translated​ before signing.
✔ Take photos of passport/visa.
✔ Save embassy contacts in your phone.

Key Takeaway: "Know your rights—silence enables exploitation." – ​Maria S., former domestic worker turned advocate​



Sources:

  1. Saudi Ministry of Human Resources (MOHRSD) 2024 Guidelines​
  2. Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) Advisory​
  3. Indian Embassy KSA Worker Protection Guide​
  4. Sanad Shelter Annual Report (2023)

Bond

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2025.04.30