Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources has recently launched an initiative aimed at enhancing the contractual relationship for domestic workers. This initiative regulates the procedures for unilateral termination of the employment contract in case of a domestic worker’s absence.
The main objective of this initiative is to enhance the quality of the recruitment sector and policies related to domestic labor. It aligns with the Ministry’s strategy to increase the market’s attractiveness and flexibility, improve the contractual relationship between workers and employers, and protect the rights of all parties involved.
Termination due to Absence
Within Two Years
The initiative introduces new rules regarding termination due to absence. If an employer terminates the contract due to a domestic worker’s absence from work (huroob) within two years of their entry into the country, the worker must leave the country permanently within 60 days. Failure to do so will result in a violation of the residency and work regulations.
After Two Years
In cases where the contract is terminated due to absence after two years of work, the worker must either leave permanently or transfer to a new employer within 60 days from the date of absence to avoid violation status.
Reporting Huroob
The Ministry has set specific controls for reporting absences. Employers can cancel the report within 15 days from its initial submission. After this period, the report becomes final unless the worker has a service transfer request through the “Musaned” platform or a final exit request.
The initiative offers two main services: Contract Termination due to Absence from Work and Labor Mobility. It covers all domestic workers within defined controls that consider the rights of both contractual parties.
Effective Date
The initiative will come into effect 120 days after the publication of the decision, which was issued on March 28, 2024.
