Unclassified

Your guide to recruiting a domestic maid to Saudi Arabia: approved countries and necessary procedures in detail

March 26, 2026

Tags: Domestic workers

Your guide to recruiting a domestic maid to Saudi Arabia: approved countries and necessary procedures in detail

The recruitment of domestic workers is an issue that requires special attention in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where local and international laws and regulations must be adhered to.

It also requires knowledge of the countries from which workers are permitted to be recruited.

In this article, we will discuss all of the above in detail.

 Legal Terms:

Before starting the recruitment process, the person wishing to do so must ensure that he or she complies with the legal conditions specified by the Saudi government. 

Legal terms include:

  1. Female worker’s age:

 The domestic worker must be over 21 years of age.

 It is not permitted to recruit domestic workers under the age of 21, in order to protect them from exploitation.

2. Health:

 The domestic worker must be healthy and free from any contagious diseases.

 The domestic worker must undergo a comprehensive medical examination before traveling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

 These terms are intended to ensure the safety and health of all family members.

3. Behavior:

 The domestic worker must have good behavior and good conduct.

 The domestic worker must abide by the laws and regulations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

 These conditions aim to ensure the domestic worker’s harmony with the family and society.

  1. Experience:

 Previous domestic work experience may be required.

 There are various options available for domestic workers, from experienced to beginners.

 Experience is an important factor in ensuring that the domestic worker is competent in completing the required tasks.

 Countries from which workers are permitted:

The Ministry of Labor and Social Development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia determines the list of countries from which it is permitted to recruit domestic workers. This list includes the following countries:

 Philippines: It is considered one of the most preferred countries for recruiting domestic workers, due to the experience and competence of Filipino women in this field.

 India: India is distinguished by providing domestic workers at reasonable prices, with a diversity of skills and experience.

 Sri Lanka: Domestic workers from Sri Lanka are known for their cooking and cleaning skills.

 Bangladesh: Bangladesh offers domestic workers at competitive prices, with the ability to master the Arabic language.

 Uganda: Uganda is one of the new countries from which the recruitment of domestic workers has been allowed.

 Kenya: Kenya provides qualified domestic workers in the field of caring for the elderly and children.

This list is not comprehensive of all recruitment countries, and you must check with the Ministry of Labor and Social Development to confirm the countries from which it is permissible to recruit domestic workers.

The list of countries from which it is permitted to recruit domestic workers may change from time to time, so it is important to confirm with Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development before starting any procedures 

Administrative Procedures:

The process of bringing a domestic worker to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia includes several steps:

  1. Registration on Musaned platform:

 The person wishing to recruit a domestic worker must register on the Musaned electronic platform to obtain recruitment approval.

Supporting platform: https://www.musaned.sa{{PLACEHOLDER_130}}{{PLACEHOLDER_131}}

 –Steps to register on the Musaned platform:

     Create a new account.

     Entering personal data.

     Attach the required documents.

     Pay the registration fee.

     Obtaining recruitment approval.

2. Choosing a recruitment office:

 You must choose a recruitment agency licensed by Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

 Criteria for selecting the recruitment office:

  • Office reputation.
  •  Office Experience.
  • Office services costs.
  • Customer Reviews.
  1. Submitting the required documents:

 Required documents include the domestic worker’s passport, personal photos, health certificate, and medical report.

  1. Payment of fees:

 The recruitment fees prescribed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Development are paid.

 :Fee Payment Methods

     – Support platform.

     – Electronic payment channels.

     – Branches of the Ministry of Labor and Social Development.

  1. Contract signing:

 An employment contract is signed between the employer and the domestic worker, which must include:

  • Domestic worker’s salary.
  • Business hours.
  • Vacations 
  • Her duties and the work assigned to her.
  •  Domestic worker rights.

Rights and Duties:

Domestic workers and employers must adhere to workers’ rights, financial and legal duties, while providing a safe and stable work environment. 

First: Domestic Worker Rights

 Healthy and safe work environment:

    Providing suitable conditions for working inside the home.

    Ensure that the necessary safety equipment is available.

    Providing the necessary protection for domestic workers against potential accidents and injuries.

 Necessary medical care:

    Providing health insurance.

     Providing medical care when needed.    Include prevention and treatment in the event of injury or illness.

 Sick leave:

     Paid sick leave for up to 30 days per year.

     Provide a medical certificate proving the need for leave.

 Periodical and equitable pay:

     Receive regular remuneration in accordance with the concluded agreement.

     The remuneration must be fair and appropriate for the services provided.

     Payment on the agreed dates without delay or interruption.

 Rest and Annual Leave:

     The necessary rest and rest during work periods.

    Specific periods for eating and resting between work.

    Work only 8 hours a day.

     Get a weekly rest day.

     Contract renewal.

     One month paid leave if he has spent two years in service and wishes to renew the contract for a similar period.

 End of Service Bonus:

    A bonus equivalent to one month’s salary if he spends 4 consecutive years in service.

 Termination of the contract by the death of one of the parties:

     The contract ends with the death of one of the parties.

     Communicate with the labor office to update the data if the employer’s family wishes to continue serving the domestic worker.

 Decent housing:

    Providing adequate housing that complies with health and safety standards.

    The residence must be clean and safe.

    Provide adequate privacy.

Second: Domestic Worker Duties:

 Compliance with the terms of the contract:

     The type of work agreed upon.

     Required tasks.

     Pay conditions and duration of work.

     Avoid potential disagreements and conflicts.

 Adherence to employer directives:

     Performing required tasks efficiently and accurately.

    Achieving employer satisfaction.

     Enhancing trust between the two parties.

 Save the employer’s property:

     Careful and responsible handling of household items and personal property.

    Avoid exposing it to danger.

 Respect privacy and do no harm:

     Respect the privacy of the employer and his family members.

     Not to harm any aspect of their personal or professional life.

     Not to harm the reputation or dignity of the family.

 Compliance with Sharia and Legal Controls:

   Compliance with the Sharia and legal controls in force in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

   Not to contradict her in his behavior and actions. Commitment to ethics, social values and respect for the Islamic religion:

     Respect discretion and honesty in dealing with others.

    Build positive relationships with your employer and family members.

   Create a comfortable and harmonious work environment.

 Refrain from carrying out any activities that harm the employer’s reputation or expose him to legal accountability.

 Avoid participating in any illegal activity.

 Conclusion:

Recruiting a domestic worker to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia requires adherence to specific conditions and procedures, and individuals must carefully search for reliable sources and appropriate advice before making any decision.

By following the steps and instructions mentioned, individuals can obtain a qualified and suitable domestic worker in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in a legal and comfortable way.

 

Related Articles