The new Regulation for Domestic Workers prohibits hiring individuals under the age of 21 for housework. Violations may result in fines of up to SR20000, as detailed in the official Umm Al-Qura Gazette. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) is designated to handle complaints, mediate resolutions, and oversee any breaches by employers or domestic workers, in compliance with Regulation guidelines.
All specified timeframes and dates are based on the Gregorian calendar, unless otherwise specified in the domestic work contract. Any terms or arrangements that contravene Regulation provisions are considered invalid throughout the contract’s validity, unless they offer greater benefits to the domestic worker.
Under this Regulation, debts owed to the domestic worker or their heirs hold top priority. The worker and their heirs have a claim on all the employer’s assets for collection. The competent court will not entertain lawsuits filed by workers seeking rights outlined in the Regulation or stemming from the work contract after 12 months from contract expiration, unless there is a valid excuse provided by the plaintiff or the defendant acknowledges the worker’s entitlement.
Regarding the domestic work contract, Article 7 stipulates that it must adhere to mandatory contract templates set by MHRSD. The contract’s approved text will be in Arabic and translated into the official language of the domestic worker. Even if not in written form, the contract remains valid. It must have a defined duration, and if this is omitted, it is deemed concluded and renewable for one year from the start date.
Article 8 of the Regulation emphasizes that the work contract must include the following essential components:
A — Description of the tasks the domestic worker is obliged to perform.
B — Names, nationalities, residences, email addresses, contact numbers, emergency contact information, and national address of both parties (employer and worker).
C — Date of contract conclusion and its effective date.
D — Stipulated wage and payment method by the employer.
E — Rights, responsibilities of both parties, and the duration of the probation period.
