Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development is expected to announce soon its decision to introduce an insurance scheme against domestic servants running away or their refusal to continue work or unwillingness to complete their period of contract.

The validity of the insurance policy will be for two years with a premium of less than SR500.

The ministry, in cooperation with the Saudi Central Bank, has completed all the procedures after carrying out the necessary studies in this regard, according to a report in Al-Eqtisadiah newspaper.

The decision will involve payment of compensation to the employer, the beneficiary, by insurance companies an amount equal to the value of recruitment costs in the event the maid servant runs away or refuses to work during the remaining period of the contract after the expiry of the initial three-month period.

The insurance policy also covers compensation toward salary arrears of maid servants if the sponsor does not pay them. The decision to insure the recruitment contract will not be compulsory, but rather it will be optional for the beneficiaries who want to hire domestic workers.

The policy carries benefits for the beneficiaries, including getting discounts of certain percentage of the amount for the renewal of the insurance policy in the event that the sponsor adheres to the terms of the policy, including the regular payment of salaries of domestic workers.

According to Article 6 of the Domestic Workers’ Regulation, the domestic worker is obligated to perform the work agreed upon, by taking care of the concerned persons, and to follow the orders of the employer and his family members related to the implementation of the agreed upon work, and not to refuse to work or leave the work without a legitimate reason.

It also included that the domestic workers are entitled to protect the property of the employer and his family members, and that they do not harm family members, including children and the elderly. They should also preserve the secrets of the employer, family members and other members who are living at the home.

The article also stipulates that domestic workers should not work on their own account and not engage in anything that harms the dignity of the employer and family members and not to interfere in their affairs.

They must also respect the Islamic religion and abide by the regulations in force in the Kingdom and the customs and traditions of the Saudi society and not to engage in any activity that harms the family.