Calm Gulf Life — Updated: October 21, 2025
⭐ Quick Headline
The Ministry of Human Resources & Social Development (HRSD) has published a comprehensive guide covering domestic workers and related professions. The guide raises penalties for violating employers — including fines up to SR 20,000 and a recruitment ban for up to 3 years — and clarifies worker rights and employer obligations to prevent exploitation.
🔹 What the guide forbids
- ✳️ No recruitment or permit fees may be charged to the domestic worker — the employer or agency must pay.
- 🚫 Confiscating passports or IDs is not allowed; workers keep access to their official documents.
- ⚠️ Withholding wages, denying rest days, or unsafe working conditions are prohibited.
These rules are part of the HRSD’s effort to ensure fairness and dignity for domestic workers while giving employers a clear legal framework to follow.
✳️ Key Rights & Benefits for Domestic Workers
- ✅ No chargeable recruitment fees — employers or registered agencies bear recruitment, permit and transfer costs.
- ✅ Weekly rest day must be agreed in the contract; workers are entitled to regular rest and reasonable daily hours.
- ✅ Return travel ticket — provision of a ticket home is required under the terms set by the guide.
- ✅ Sick leave & healthcare access when supported by valid medical certificates.
- ✅ End-of-service gratuity and leave entitlements for long-serving workers, as outlined in the guide.
- ✅ Right to keep personal documents and not have them taken or hidden by the employer.
These protections help build a stable, respectful working relationship between employers and domestic workers — which benefits both sides.
💡 Why this is good for expat employers too
- 🌟 Clear rules reduce disputes: a proper contract and documented terms avoid misunderstandings.
- 🌟 Better staff retention: fair treatment, rest and medical care make domestic workers more reliable over time.
- 🌟 Legal safety: compliant employers avoid heavy fines (up to SR 20,000) and recruitment bans (up to 3 years).
- 🌟 Reputation: ethical employers gain trust in the community and among agencies.
📌 Practical Checklist for Expats
Copy or print this checklist — keep it with your contract and receipts.
- 🔹 Use the official HRSD employment contract form and ensure both parties sign it.
- 🔹 Confirm who pays all fees (recruitment, permit, transfer) — these must not be charged to the worker.
- 🔹 Write weekly rest day and daily hours in the contract.
- 🔹 Provide suitable housing or a clear allowance if housing is not provided.
- 🔹 Keep copies of salary receipts, invoices and the signed contract.
- 🔹 Never withhold passports or IDs — allow workers access to their documents.
Following these steps reduces your legal risk and protects the worker’s rights. It’s simple, practical and keeps both sides safe.
🚨 Penalties for Non-Compliance
- 🔺 Fines up to SR 20,000 for serious or clear violations (e.g., charging forbidden fees).
- 🔺 Recruitment ban up to 3 years for employers found guilty of breaches — repeat offenders may face permanent restrictions.
- 🔺 Other administrative measures may apply depending on the case.
These penalties underline the Kingdom’s intent to discourage exploitation and enforce good employment practices.
📄 Government Reference (Official Guide)
The new guide — “Guide to the Rights and Obligations of Domestic Workers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” — is published by the Ministry of Human Resources & Social Development (HRSD). It provides the full legal framework: definitions of covered professions, employer duties, worker entitlements, and the administrative penalties structure. For the official document and detailed articles, see the HRSD publication and the Saudi Gazette report summarizing the changes:
📞 Where to Get Help & File a Complaint
- 🔹 Contact the HRSD via their official hotline or e-services platform for complaints and guidance.
- 🔹 Your country’s embassy/consulate can assist with legal advice and repatriation in serious cases.
- 🔹 Keep evidence (contracts, receipts, messages) — it helps when filing a complaint.
🔹 Bottom Line
The HRSD guide strengthens protection for domestic workers and raises penalties for employers who break recruitment and employment rules. Expat employers should follow the checklist, use the official contract, never charge forbidden fees to workers, and document all payments and agreements. Doing so protects both the worker and the employer from disputes and heavy penalties.
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