Saudi Arabia has introduced comprehensive new regulations governing domestic workers, clearly outlining their rights and duties. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) has implemented these updated guidelines to enhance protections for domestic workers and hold employers accountable.
Under the new rules, employers are strictly prohibited from charging domestic workers any recruitment fees, work permit fees, profession transfer fees, or service transfer charges. Violations of these provisions can lead to fines reaching SAR 20,000 and a recruitment ban lasting three years. Repeat offenders risk permanent bans and doubled penalties.
Employers must also ensure timely payment of salaries. Domestic workers are entitled to one day off per week, a minimum of eight hours of rest daily, and one month’s salary as leave after completing two years of service. Additionally, they receive free return tickets every two years, end-of-service benefits after four years, and up to 30 days of paid sick leave annually. The confiscation of passports or residency permits is strictly forbidden under the new law.
The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE) emphasized that Saudi Arabia now officially recognizes a variety of domestic worker professions. These include domestic workers, drivers, nurses, cooks, tailors, gardeners, house supervisors and managers, security guards, personal assistants, farmers, physiotherapists, and home coffee makers.
Employers are required to sign formal contracts, provide suitable accommodation and meals or allowances, supply necessary legal documentation, guarantee access to healthcare, permit communication with family, and maintain a safe working environment. Meanwhile, domestic workers are expected to behave respectfully, safeguard household property, maintain confidentiality, avoid unwarranted absences or misconduct, and comply with Saudi laws, religious principles, and social customs.
In a significant development, these regulations aim to strengthen protections for domestic workers while promoting fair treatment and accountability among employers.
Separately, the Saudi Ministry of Interior recently announced measures to assist visa holders unable to exit the Kingdom due to regional circumstances. This directive applies to all visit visas, Umrah, transit, and final exit visas that expired as of February 25, 2026. Visa extensions can be requested by the visitor’s host until April 18, 2026, upon payment of applicable fees via the Absher platform.
