Saudi Arabia bans employers from charging domestic workers recruitment and service fees

Saudi Arabia has prohibited employers from collecting any charges from domestic workers, including recruitment, work permit, service transfer, or profession change fees, under a new set of labour regulations introduced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

The new Guide to the Rights and Obligations of Domestic Workers aims to ensure fair treatment and improve living and working conditions for domestic employees across the Kingdom.

According to the Saudi Gazette, employers found violating these provisions will face fines of up to SAR20,000 and a three-year ban on hiring domestic workers. Repeat offenders will be subject to harsher penalties.

“The regulations include a package of rights that guarantee the domestic worker a decent life and a stable work environment,” the ministry stated.

The updated rules guarantee domestic workers their full salary, weekly rest days, daily breaks, and one month of paid leave every two years. Workers are also entitled to retain their personal documents, such as passports and residency permits (iqamas), without interference from their employers.

Additionally, employers are required to provide appropriate accommodation, meals or a cash allowance, medical coverage, and allow workers to communicate freely with their families.