New law poised to help Saudi domestic staff

CLEAN SLATE: A new law is being discussed in Saudi Arabia to redefine the relationship between employer and domestic workers, including cleaners.

Domestic workers in Saudi Arabia are set to be given more employment protection under a new law being considered by the Shoura Council.

Council members are poised to discuss the ruling which will redefine the relationship between employers and housemaids, family drivers and gardeners.

The Experts Commission of the Council of Ministers has revised the law and referred it to the Council in preparation for its approval by King Abdullah, Saudi Gazette reported on Sunday.

The legislation would forbid the employer from assigning the worker to any job other than the one stated in the contract and also prevents him from hiring out their services to others.

It also stipulates that the nature of the job for which the worker is hired must be mentioned in the contract as well as the salary. It also fixes the trial period at three months.

The law would make it mandatory for the employer to guarantee the workers’ safety besides refraining from any action or attitude that may humiliate or dehumanise them.

Under the new law, the employer should pay the worker's wages at the end of every Hijira (lunar calendar) month in cash or by cheque.

Adequate accommodation, a break to rest and perform prayers plus a stipulation on working hours are also included in the draft law.

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