HR Ministry Penalizes Employers for Allowing Domestic Workers to Take Outside Employment

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) recently imposed penalties on employers found violating the Regulation of Domestic Workers and the Like. In total, 568 decisions were issued against employers who enabled domestic workers to work outside their designated roles, with 281 cases resulting in a ban on recruitment and 287 cases involving fines.

The MHRSD identified several employers allowing domestic workers to either work in commercial establishments or engage in independent work, both of which are prohibited by Saudi regulations. As a result, the ministry took legal action, submitting cases to the Domestic Workers Committees to process the penalties against the responsible employers.

The ministry warned all residents—both Saudi citizens and expatriates—of the consequences of hiring or collaborating with domestic workers outside approved roles, emphasizing that these actions could lead to strict penalties. To help enforce compliance, MHRSD encourages the public to report any violations of labor laws via its smartphone application or by calling the unified support line at 19911.