The Human Rights Commission and recruitment agents have welcomed a new executive bylaw regulating the relationship between domestics and employers, saying it would help protect the rights of both sides and prevent mutual abuse.

The bylaw issued by the Labor Ministry states that employers must pay the salaries of their employees at the end of each Hijri month. Workers must be allowed to rest nine hours everyday and given one day off a week as mentioned in the contract, the law states.
Employers face fines ranging from SR2,000 to SR5,000 for failing to comply with the legislation.

Ibrahim Al-Shadi, spokesman for the Human Rights Commission, said there was a need to ensure recruitment firms draw up contracts in line with the new law. He said the commission helped the ministry draft the legislation.

Walid Al-Dossary, from a recruitment company, said the law clearly outlines the rights and responsibilities of workers and their employers. “This will help reduce conflict and violence between the two sides.”

Another official, who requested anonymity, said the law would help reduce crimes involving maids, drivers and other domestic workers.

Meanwhile, a ministry official said employers would soon be able to recruit domestics electronically.