Saudi ministry unveils initiative for domestic workers

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has introduced a new initiative to enhance contractual arrangements for domestic workers, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

The initiative addresses procedures for unilaterally terminating contracts in cases where domestic workers are absent from their duties.

According to the ministry, the initiative reflects its ongoing commitment to reviewing labor market regulations and improving the domestic labor sector’s quality. It aligns with the ministry’s broader strategy for the labor market, which seeks to bolster the contractual relationships between workers and employers, while safeguarding the rights of all parties involved.

Additionally, it aims to boost the overall appeal and flexibility of the market in the Kingdom.

Under the new initiative, if an employer terminates a contract due to a domestic worker’s absence from work within the first two years of their arrival in Saudi Arabia, the worker must permanently depart within 60 days. Failure to do so would violate residency and labor laws.

Similarly, if the contract is terminated due to absence from work after two years, the domestic worker must either leave permanently or transition to a new employer within 60 days of the absence.

The ministry has also established specific guidelines for reporting instances of worker absence. Employers are allowed to retract absence reports within 15 days of their initial submission. After this period, reports become final unless the worker requests a transfer of services through the Musaned platform or opts for permanent departure.

This initiative encompasses two primary services: termination of contracts due to absence from work and labor mobility services. It applies to all domestic workers, with clear guidelines ensuring the protection of contractual rights for both workers and employers.

The implementation of this initiative is scheduled to commence 120 days after the decision’s issuance, which was on March 28.