In a significant move impacting foreign domestic workers, Saudi Arabia has introduced tighter visa regulations through the Ministry of Human Resources. These changes, specifically targeting individuals aged 24 and above, aim to enhance responsibility and maturity within the domestic workforce.
Under the revised regulations, eligibility for visa applications is extended to holders of Saudi premium residency permits, Gulf nationals, foreign spouses of Saudi men and their mothers, and Saudi citizens. However, the financial situation of the employer becomes a crucial factor, aligning with the government’s commitment to safeguard the welfare of domestic workers.
The scope of the new regulations encompasses various categories of domestic workers, including live-in nurses, tutors, nannies, farmers, housekeepers, drivers, housemaids, cleaners, cooks, guards, and tailors. The overarching goal is to establish a robust dispute resolution mechanism, ensuring the protection of both employers’ and domestic workers’ rights, while enhancing transparency and efficiency in the hiring process.
This initiative reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing endeavors to modernize its labor market. By emphasizing equitable treatment and transparent contractual arrangements, the country aims to set higher standards for workers engaged in domestic roles.
