JEDDAH: Various countries have different criteria when it comes to allowing their citizens to work as housemaids in Saudi Arabia. Housemaids from several South Asian countries have to undergo compulsory training before their recruitment and travel arrangements are finalized. This training includes learning basic Arabic. Maids and other house workers are normally hired from Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Philippines and Bangladesh. Very rarely are housemaids recruited from India and Pakistan. “There is a training program for maids before they join their sponsors. They learn basic Arabic so they can communicate easily. Training in safety and hygiene is also provided,” said Subarullah Khan, the Sri Lankan Consul General. He also explained that there has to be compulsory insurance and medical examinations and a visa for which the sponsor has to pay SR2,000 at the labor office. Agreements signed in Sri Lanka also stipulate that a maid can go back to her country after a year's service without buying her own ticket. “If a maid doesn't do her work properly the recruitment agency will offer a replacement. Also once a year the maid should be allowed to visit the consulate or embassy,” he said. S.D. Murti, Indian Welfare Consul, admitted there are very strict regulations to hire housemaids from India. “The policy is very simple but there are lots of restrictions. The age limit is 40, with a minimum salary of SR1,500. Plus a maid should be provided with a prepaid phone to call back home and have contact with the consulate,” he explained. Similar rules and regulations govern Bangladeshi housemaids and their sponsors.
