Saudi Gazette report RIYADH – The Ministry of Labor on Thursday issued the bylaw that defines rights and duties of domestic workers and their employers. The 23-article bylaw will come into force 60 days after its publication in the official gazette. The bylaw, based on the regulations approved by the Council of Ministers on July 15, 2013, is expected to bring about dramatic positive developments in the Kingdom's domestic help sector, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said. It clearly defines all the aspects pertaining to the relationship between domestic helpers and their sponsors. The bylaw stipulates punishments for violating employer or domestic helpers. In case of any violation of the law, the employer faces one year recruitment ban or SR2,000 in fine or both. In case of repetition, the fine will be increased up to SR5,000 plus a three-year recruitment ban. For a third time violation, permanent recruitment ban will be imposed. In case of any violation on the part of the worker, a fine of SR2,000 will be imposed on him besides a ban on his working in the Kingdom. The worker shall also bear the cost of final exit trip. If the worker does not have money, the government will bear the travel expense. Domestic helpers would have a probation period of not more than three months. The employer can terminate the contract if the worker is found unfit for the work within this period and it is not permissible to renew this period except when the two parties agree for a different job. The employer has no right to compel domestic helpers to dowork that does not come under the purview of the labor contract. The bylaw stipulates that domestic helpers must respect Islam and its teachings, and obey the orders of the employers and their family members. A domestic helper does not have the right to reject a work, or leave a job, without valid reason. Employers have to pay the agreed monthly salary without delay, and give workers a weekly day off besides sick leave for a maximum one month in a year. They shall be granted at least nine hours of rest each day and a one-month paid vacation after two years of work as well as end of service benefits equaling one month salary after four years of service.
