Khabar Southeast Asia

  • English
  • Bahasa

New rules to protect migrant workers in Saudi Arabia

July 18, 2013

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – Saudi authorities announced new rules Tuesday (July 16th) to protect the rights of foreign domestic workers, most of whom come from South Asia, AFP reported.

Saudi Labour Minister Adel Faqih said the rules require employers to pay workers "the agreed monthly salary without delay, and give them a day off each week", though in exchange, workers must "respect" Islam and "obey" their employers, according to the official SPA news agency.

Employers must also provide domestic workers with "suitable accommodations, as well as granting them time to rest for at least nine hours each day", Faqih said.

Under the new guidelines, workers are entitled to paid sick leave, paid vacation and severance pay if they meet certain conditions.

Just last month, Manila announced the signing of a landmark agreement with Riyadh that would protect thousands of Filipina maids from exploitation.

Home About Us Disclaimer +Fullsite