Saudi recruitment agencies are hopeful that they will be able to recruit Indian housemaids within three months to meet the acute shortage of domestic help in the Kingdom.

“We are optimistic that we can conclude recruitment agreements with Indian manpower supply firms within three months,” said Mohsin Al-Omairy, vice chairman of the National Recruitment Committee.

He said the delay was caused due to plans being made by Indian companies to train workers. “Our companies are ready to recruit maids and most of them have gotten their visas,” he said.

Officials, meanwhile, said Saudi Arabia is planning to recruit domestic helps from Nepal to meet growing needs but the Himalayan country insists that Riyadh should sign two separate agreements for maids and other workers.

A Saudi team is expected to visit Katmandu next month to reach an agreement on the issue.

Al-Omairy said 430 licensed Saudi companies intend to sign accords with their Indian counterparts to recruit maids, adding that the two countries have signed an agreement to protect the rights of workers and employers.

“There is huge demand for maids,” he said.

“We have received applications from thousands of families, including expats, for the recruitment of domestic aides. At present, we only get maids from Kenya. As a result, we are facing a huge shortage.”

“Several families have requested a transfer of services for their Ethiopian maids, either due to fear as a result of incidents of violence or simply because they want to make some money,” said Al-Omairy.

“Sponsors would have to pay for ticket and other expenses if they send these maids back to their home country.”

Ezzuddin Hafiz, a Saudi teacher, highlighted the problems facing Saudi families in getting domestic help.

“It is very difficult to get a qualified maid. People spend huge amounts to recruit maids, but many families end up unhappy with their performance,” he told Arab News.

He proposed that families hire domestic help from manpower supply companies, such as Almajal. “I think this will be the best solution. Such companies can also meet our needs when maids go on vacation,” he pointed out.

He said the shortage of maids had created a black market in the Kingdom, with domestic workers demanding more than double the salaries they used to get.

Hafiz urged the Labor Ministry to solve the problem by signing recruitment agreements with Indonesia and other countries.

 
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