The 9 New Saudi Labor Law for Domestic Helper

The Saudi labor law for domestic helper highlights the rights and duties of domestic workers and their employers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, forming an essential part of the social fabric based on the principles of justice, mutual respect, and balance in their relationship. The relationship between a domestic worker and the employer is not merely a professional one.

Protecting and ensuring the rights of domestic workers is a key element in modern societies, as this group plays a vital role in facilitating the daily lives of families and individuals.

Saudi Labor Law for Domestic Helper in Saudi Arabia

The rights of domestic workers, as outlined in Saudi labor law for domestic helper, are essential to ensuring a safe and healthy work environment. This law defines the rights of workers, such as access to healthcare, fair wages, rest periods, and other guarantees that ensure the dignity and safety of workers, including the following:

1. Employers must provide a work environment that ensures the domestic worker’s safety and health by supplying necessary safety tools and taking preventive measures against potential accidents and injuries inside the home.
2. Employers must provide domestic workers with necessary healthcare, either through health insurance or direct medical care, covering both preventive measures and treatment in case of illness or injury.
3. Domestic workers are entitled to paid sick leave of up to 30 days per year, provided a medical certificate proving the need for leave is submitted.
4. Domestic workers must receive their wages regularly as agreed in the contract. The wages should be fair for the services provided and paid on the agreed dates without delay or interruption.
5. Domestic workers are entitled to adequate rest during working hours, including meal breaks. Daily work should not exceed 8 hours, and workers are entitled to one weekly day off as stipulated in the contract.
6. Domestic workers are entitled to a paid leave of one month if they have completed two years of service and wish to renew their contract for a similar period.
7. Domestic workers are entitled to an end-of-service benefit under Saudi labor law, equivalent to one month’s salary after four consecutive years of service.
8. The contract automatically ends upon the death of either party. If the employer’s family wishes to continue employing the domestic worker, they must contact the Labor Office to update the legal records.
9. Employers must provide domestic workers with adequate housing that meets health and safety standards. The accommodation should be clean, safe, and offer sufficient privacy.

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New Rules for Domestic Workers in Saudi Arabia 2025

The Saudi labor law for domestic helper aims to balance the rights of domestic workers with those of employers, ensuring a fair and safe working environment for all parties. This system includes a set of rules and regulations that govern the relationship between workers and employers, with the following:

• The system limits daily working hours to 8 hours and guarantees adequate rest, including at least 24 hours of rest per week.
• Employers are required to provide appropriate accommodation and meals that meet humane standards, ensuring the dignity of the worker.
• The system includes health and social coverage for domestic workers, protecting them in cases of illness or accidents.
• Official employment contracts must include all essential details, such as working hours, days off, contract duration, and agreed wages, ensuring clarity of rights and responsibilities for both the worker and employer.
• The system sets a minimum wage for domestic workers, preventing financial exploitation and ensuring fair compensation for services provided.
• Domestic workers are recruited through official channels, which ensures the eligibility of workers and reduces irregular employment.
• Any disputes between employers and domestic workers are resolved through a specialized labor committee, ensuring justice and transparent conflict resolution.

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End of Service Benefits for Household Workers in Saudi Arabia

End-of-service benefits for domestic workers are provided under Article 22 of the Domestic Workers Regulation, which states that a domestic worker is entitled to a severance payment equivalent to one month’s salary for every four consecutive years of service with the employer.

The law also specifies conditions to ensure the legal disbursement of end-of-service benefits:

• If the worker’s service exceeds four years, the benefit is calculated based on one month’s salary for each additional year beyond the four years.
• If the service period is less than four years, the benefit is paid according to the agreed terms with the worker.
• If the employer covers all healthcare costs for the worker, no amount may be deducted from the end-of-service benefit.
• Deducting days of leave from the monthly salary is not permitted.

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Violations and Penalties for Domestic Workers

The Saudi labor law for domestic helper defines a set of violations and penalties for both domestic workers and employers, according to the provisions of the Domestic Workers Regulation, to ensure compliance with the law and protect the rights of both parties. These are:

Penalties for Domestic Workers

• A domestic worker may be fined up to SAR 2,000, banned from working in the Kingdom permanently, or both, if they violate the provisions of the domestic work regulations.
• Fines may increase depending on the number of violations recorded against the worker.
• The violating worker is responsible for covering the cost of returning to their home country. If they lack sufficient funds, repatriation will be covered by the state.

Penalties for Employers

• An employer who violates the domestic labor regulations may face a fine of up to SAR 2,000, a ban on recruiting workers for one year, or both.
• In case of repeated violations, the penalty increases to a fine between SAR 2,000 and SAR 5,000, a ban on recruitment for three years, or both.
• If a violation occurs for a third time, the employer is permanently prohibited from recruiting domestic workers.

In the event of any violation, you can contact Etqan Law Firm for legal support and assistance.

Read More: Understanding Legal Saudi Labor Law working hours

Conclusion

The Saudi labor law for domestic helper an important step towards enhancing human rights. The new domestic labor system in Saudi Arabia aims to improve working conditions and provide a safe environment for workers. For further legal guidance and inquiries related to domestic labor regulations, Etqan Law Firm remains ready to provide professional support and advice.

The Etqan Al Mutamayza Law Firm is ready to provide the essential support you need. You can reach their team at the following mobile numbers: +966550600204, +966551020060.

Additionally, feel free to visit our branches located at:

Jeddah: Al-Aziziyah District, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Street (Tahlia)

• Riyadh: King Abdulaziz Street, across from the Kingdom Tower
• Dammam: Al-Ashri’a Street, Al-Badeea, Dammam 32415.

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