Manama: Domestic helpers are entitled to a minimum of nine hours rest a day, Saudi Arabia’s labour ministry has said.
The ministry added in a report that money could be deducted from helpers only when they intentionally damage something or through gross negligence, when they must give back money they have borrowed or when there is a court or administrative order.
In all cases, the deduction must never exceed 50 per cent of their salary, the ministry said, local daily Okaz reported on Thursday.
According to the regulations, a domestic helper’s probation to assess their professional aptitude and behaviour cannot exceed 90 days.
No helper should be put on probation more than once.
The ministry said that the contract signed between the employer and the helper should clearly stipulate the nature of the tasks, the salary, the probation period and how the contract can be extended or renewed.
A contract can be terminated during the probation period if the helper’s assessment is negative, and the employer in such a case does not assume any responsibilities.
The employer is committed to paying their employee’s return ticket upon termination of the contract or based on an agreement between the two parties, the ministry report added.
The employee receives a salary at the end of each month based on the lunar calendar that comprises 12 months unless the two parties have a different agreement.
The salary is paid in cash or through a cheque if the employee does not opt for a bank transfer. The payment should be duly recorded, the ministry said.
Saudi Arabia is home to around nine million foreigners, mainly Asians working in the booming construction sector and in services. They make up around one-third of the total population in the kingdom.
Most households employ domestic helpers, mainly women from Asia and Africa.
