The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources unveiled a groundbreaking initiative tailored to bolster the contractual dynamics of domestic workers. This strategic move, announced on Thursday, aims to refine the mechanisms governing unilateral termination of employment contracts in cases of domestic worker absenteeism.
Aligned with the ministry's overarching mission to revamp labor market regulations and elevate the standards of the recruitment sector, this initiative underscores a pivotal step towards fostering a more robust and equitable working environment for all stakeholders. By fostering greater market appeal and flexibility while safeguarding the rights of both workers and employers, this initiative represents a significant stride towards harmonizing contractual relationships.
Under the new guidelines, if an employer opts to terminate a contract due to a domestic worker's absence within two years of their arrival in the country, the worker is required to depart permanently within 60 days. Failure to comply will lead to infringements on residency and work regulations. Similarly, in cases of termination due to absenteeism beyond the two-year mark, the worker must either leave permanently or transition to a new employer within the stipulated timeframe to avoid regulatory penalties.
To ensure fairness and transparency, the ministry has instituted stringent protocols for reporting absences, granting employers a 15-day window to retract their initial reports. Subsequently, reports will be deemed final unless the worker initiates a service transfer request through the "Musaned" platform or opts for a final exit request.
The initiative comprises two primary services: Contract Termination due to Absence from Work and Labor Mobility, encompassing all domestic workers under clearly defined parameters that uphold the rights of both parties. Scheduled to take effect 120 days following the publication of the decision on March 28, 2024, this initiative heralds a transformative era in the contractual landscape for domestic workers in Saudi Arabia.
