Saudi Arabia's Domestic Workers Law grants domestic employees specific legal protections covering salary, rest, accommodation, medical care, and end-of-service benefits. Both employers and workers must know these rights. This is the complete 2026 guide.
⚡ Key Rights at a Glance
| 💰 Salary | Paid on time monthly — WPS protected |
| ⏰ Max Working Hours | 10 hours/day |
| 🗓️ Weekly Rest | 1 full day per week |
| 🏖️ Annual Leave | 30 days after 2 years / 21 days after 1 year |
| 🏥 Medical Care | Employer's full responsibility |
| 📞 MLSD Helpline | 19911 |
| 📱 Musaned App | File complaints directly |
💰 Salary Rights
- ✅ Salary paid monthly on agreed date
- ✅ Protected by Saudi Wage Protection System (WPS)
- ✅ Employer cannot deduct salary without legal justification
- ✅ Minimum salary varies by nationality and bilateral agreement
- ✅ Filipino workers: minimum set by POEA/Philippines government
- ✅ Indonesian workers: minimum set by BP2MI agreement
⏰ Working Hours & Rest Rights
| Entitlement | Legal Standard |
|---|---|
| Maximum daily hours | 10 hours including breaks |
| Weekly rest day | 1 full day (Friday preferred) |
| Annual leave (after 1 year) | 21 days paid |
| Annual leave (after 2 years) | 30 days paid |
| Sick leave | 30 days paid, 60 days unpaid |
| Public holidays | Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, National Day |
🏠 Accommodation & Living Standards
- ✅ Private, suitable accommodation — employer's obligation
- ✅ Meals or meal allowance must be provided
- ✅ Access to clean water, sanitation, and privacy
- ✅ Passport cannot be confiscated — illegal under Saudi law
- ✅ Worker must have freedom of movement on rest days
🚫 Passport confiscation is ILLEGAL in Saudi Arabia. Any employer holding a worker's passport commits a criminal offence. Workers should contact MLSD at 19911 or their embassy immediately.
🏥 Medical & Health Rights
- ✅ Employer must provide health insurance
- ✅ All medical treatment costs are employer's responsibility
- ✅ Work-related injuries — full treatment at employer's expense
- ✅ 30 days paid sick leave per year
✈️ End of Contract Rights
- ✅ Return air ticket — paid by employer
- ✅ End of service gratuity — 1 month salary per year after 2 years
- ✅ All outstanding wages settled before departure
- ✅ Proper Iqama cancellation completed by employer
📢 How to File a Complaint
Open the Musaned app or visit musaned.com.sa and go to the complaints section.
Call 19911 to report abuse, non-payment, or contract violations. Available in Arabic and English.
Domestic worker cases are handled by Saudi Labour Courts — MLSD can refer cases automatically.
Contact your country's embassy in Riyadh or Jeddah. Filipino, Indonesian, Ethiopian and Sri Lankan embassies have dedicated worker support units.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can a domestic worker resign in Saudi Arabia?
Yes — workers can resign with 1 month notice. If the employer has violated the contract (non-payment, abuse), the worker can terminate immediately with MLSD protection.
What if my employer doesn't pay my salary for months?
File an urgent complaint via Musaned or call MLSD at 19911. Saudi's WPS system flags unpaid salaries and MLSD can take immediate enforcement action.
Can my employer prevent me from leaving the house on my day off?
No — restricting freedom of movement on rest days is illegal. Workers can report this to MLSD or call the worker protection hotline.
Does Saudi law protect non-Muslim domestic workers?
Yes — Saudi domestic worker law applies to all workers regardless of religion or nationality. All protections apply equally.
🏠 Looking to Hire a Domestic Worker in Saudi Arabia?
GCC Domestic connects families across Saudi Arabia with MLSD-verified domestic worker agencies via Musaned. Browse packages, compare workers, and hire legally.
📌 Source: Saudi Arabia MLSD — Domestic Workers Law — Updated 2026. Always verify at musaned.com.sa