In hopes of continuing protection for domestic helpers, the Saudi Arabian government has passed new rules for their welfare and employers.
Knowing the population of domestic workers in the country, Saudi Arabia has disclosed new domestic rules for its domestic helpers to prevent violations of the rights of both employees and employers.
The said new rules for domestic workers involve the age and benefits of workers.
The said set minimum age for applying for domestic helpers is 21 years old. Employers or agencies caught in violation will be subjected to a fine of SR20,000, equivalent to Php303,200.
Workers must also complete a 10-hour daily shift with rest; the work must be subjected to an equivalent weekly payment or method of performance.
Employers are also restricted from holding or withholding any important documents, such as passports or any personal belongings of the worker.
For the benefit of the workers, the employers should provide suitable shelter covering the food or food allowance of the employee.
Safety and respect must also be abided by both parties; employers are not to harm or conduct any physical or verbal abuse to their workers, especially for the reason of disliking their religion or ethnicity, while workers must respect Islamic and societal traditions.
In the same way, both employers and workers will be given a thirty-day probation; within this, both parties may cancel the contract provided with justifiable reasoning.
In the long run, workers who reach 2 years of their term of service may renew but must be given a thirty-day vacation; if unsatisfied, they are entitled to cash compensation.
Saudi Arabia continues to develop a harmonious relationship with incoming domestic helpers while also prolonging diplomatic relations with countries that provide domestic services and assistance.