Maids, Domestic Help Workers in Saudi Arabia Now Get a Weekly Day’s Off from Work, Plus Other Benefits from New Law

Workers employed as maids and domestic help in Saudi Arabia may now get a day's off from weekly work, following the passage of a new law by the kingdom's Council of Ministers this week.

Additionally, workers also stand to enjoy nine hours' free time daily, a guaranteed salary at the end of every month, suitable accommodations, one month paid vacation after every two years as well as medical or sick leave. Workers may also receive end-of-service benefits if they remained employed to the same employer after four years.

It was not detailed as to when the provisions of the new law will take effect.

But observers and critics remain wary of the provisions of the new law because it contained certain clauses limiting an employee's basic human right.

For one, "the worker will not have the right to reject a work or leave the job without any genuine reason," the law prescribed.

They are likewise expected to obey their employer and family members, protect their property and not harm children or the elderly.

The law specifically also stated that the workers "are obliged to respect the teachings of Islam, the Kingdom's rules and regulations, and carry out their duties perfectly."

"The law aims at regulating relationship between domestic help and their employers while explaining their rights and duties and punishment for violators of contract terms," Arab News quoted Labor Minister Adel Fakeih as saying.

Still, the law provided penalties not only to errant employees but also to violating employers.

Employers found guilty of breaking the new law will be fined SR2,000 (AU$581) plus a one-year ban on recruiting domestic help. Second-time violators face a fine of SR5,000 (AU$1,453) and a ban from recruiting for three years.

Third-time violators, meanwhile, will not only face a lifetime recruitment ban but also a fine of SR10,000 (AU$2,906).

Workers violating their contract will be fined SR2,000 plus prevented from ever working in the Kingdom again. Plus, they have to shoulder the cost of repatriation to their home countries.

"This is a very important law that would solve many domestic help-related issues" Dr. Mohammed Badahdah, assistant secretary-general of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth, said. "The law has clearly mentioned the duties and rights of both parties."

There are around eight million foreign workers working in the oil-rich kingdom. Most come from South Asia and earn low wages.