Labor Law for Domestic Workers in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has one of the largest domestic worker populations in the world. From housemaids and drivers to private nurses and cooks, domestic workers play a vital role in the daily lives of many Saudi and expatriate families. To protect both workers and employers, the Kingdom has introduced specific labor laws and regulations.

If you are an expat living in Saudi Arabia who employs a domestic worker, or if you are working in this field, it is important to understand your rights and obligations under the Saudi Labor Law for Domestic Workers.

This guide will explain the law, key rights, responsibilities, and what expats need to know about employing or working as a domestic worker in the Kingdom.

📌 Who is Considered a Domestic Worker?

According to Saudi labor regulations, a domestic worker is any person hired to perform household services under the employer’s supervision, whether directly or indirectly. This includes:

Housemaids
Private drivers
Gardeners
Cooks and chefs
Private nurses and caregivers
Home guards

Domestic workers are covered under a special labor law separate from the general Saudi Labor Law that governs most other employees.

⚖️ Key Provisions of the Saudi Domestic Workers Law

Saudi Arabia issued the Ministerial Decision No. 310 of 1434H (2013), which outlines the regulations for domestic workers and similar categories. These laws were designed to balance the relationship between employer and worker.

✅ Rights of Domestic Workers

Contractual Agreement
- Employment must be based on a written contract.
- The contract must clearly mention salary, job responsibilities, and other conditions.
Salary Payments
- Salary must be paid at the end of every month.
- Payment must be made in cash or deposited into a bank account.
- Any salary deductions must be legally justified.
Working Hours
- Maximum of 10 working hours per day.
- Worker must be given at least 9 continuous hours of rest daily.
Weekly Rest Day
- One full paid day off per week.
Annual Vacation
- 30 days of paid vacation for every two years of service.
End of Service Benefits (ESB)
- Half a month’s salary for each year of service, upon contract termination.
Medical Care
- Employer must cover medical care and treatment.
Iqama and Work Permit
- Employer is responsible for iqama (residency permit) renewal and related government fees.
Food and Accommodation
- Employer must provide decent housing and meals at no cost to the worker.

🚫 Prohibited Practices Against Domestic Workers

The law strictly prohibits employers from:

Forcing workers into jobs not agreed in the contract.
Employing them outside the employer’s household without consent.
Delaying or withholding salary.
Confiscating the worker’s passport or iqama (this is illegal under Saudi law).
Abusing or mistreating workers in any form.

📋 Responsibilities of Domestic Workers

The law also outlines the obligations of domestic workers, including:

Performing agreed‑upon duties with honesty and efficiency.
Respecting Islamic teachings and Saudi traditions.
Not engaging in other jobs without employer’s consent.
Protecting employer’s property.
Not leaving work without a valid reason.

🧾 Termination of Employment

The employment relationship can end under certain conditions:

By Employer:
- If the worker refuses duties or breaches the contract.
- If the worker is absent for more than 15 consecutive days without valid reason.
By Worker:
- If the employer fails to pay salary for 3 consecutive months.
- If the employer abuses or violates terms of the contract.

In both cases, proper legal procedures must be followed through the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD).

📲 Dispute Resolution and Complaints

If disputes arise between employer and worker, both parties can:

File a complaint with the MHRSD Domestic Workers Dispute Committee.
Seek mediation and resolution within 10 days of complaint.
Approach the Saudi labor courts if the issue remains unresolved.

Workers can also call the MHRSD hotline (19911) for assistance.

🏠 Hiring Domestic Workers as an Expat

If you are an expatriate in Saudi Arabia and want to hire a domestic worker, here are the requirements:

You must have a valid iqama and be eligible based on your income.
Applications for domestic worker recruitment are processed via the Musaned platform (official online portal by the Ministry of Human Resources).
Costs vary depending on the nationality and type of service.
The recruitment contract must be registered with Musaned for legal protection.

💡 Impact on Expats and Saudi Families

The domestic worker labor law impacts both sides:

For Employers (Saudis and Expats):
- Clear responsibilities and legal procedures to avoid disputes.
- Better recruitment process through Musaned.
- Legal protection in case of worker misconduct.
For Workers (Expats):
- Guaranteed rights such as salary, rest, and leave.
- Legal protection against abuse and exploitation.
- Access to dispute resolution mechanisms.

⚠️ Penalties for Violations

For Employers:
- Fines up to 2,000 SAR for withholding wages.
- Ban from recruiting domestic workers for repeated violations.
- Legal action for passport confiscation or abuse.
For Workers:
- Fines up to 2,000 SAR for unjustified absences.
- Possible deportation for repeated contract breaches.

📋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can an employer keep a domestic worker’s passport?
No. Confiscating passports or iqamas is illegal in Saudi Arabia.

Q2: How many hours can a domestic worker be asked to work?
Maximum 10 hours per day, with 9 hours of continuous rest.

Q3: Are domestic workers entitled to annual leave?
Yes. 30 days paid leave for every two years of service.

Q4: How can a domestic worker file a complaint?
Through the Ministry hotline (19911) or Musaned platform.

Q5: Can expats hire domestic workers in Saudi Arabia?
Yes, but only through legal channels like Musaned, and they must meet income eligibility requirements.

✅ Final Thoughts

The Labor Law for Domestic Workers in Saudi Arabia is designed to protect both employers and workers by ensuring fair treatment, clear contracts, and legal rights. For expats, knowing these rules is crucial — whether you’re employing someone for household help or working in this field yourself.

By following the law, you ensure a respectful and secure work environment, avoid penalties, and contribute to Saudi Arabia’s broader goals of improving labor rights and living conditions.

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