Saudi to implement better working conditions for OFWs

MANILA, Philippines - The Saudi government is set to implement new measures that would provide better working conditions for Filipinos and other foreign household service workers.

The new set of regulations approved by the Council of Ministers outlines the rights and obligations of migrant household workers and their Saudi employers.

“This will certainly boost protection for our household workers and enhance their welfare,” Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said.

She said the regulations would take effect within 60 days after its official publication.

Under the new regulations, Saudi employers may not impose work on a household worker unless the chore has been agreed upon and provided that it does not substantially differ from the original task.

Employers are likewise not allowed to ask their household workers to do any work that threatens their health, safety and human dignity.

The “rent out” of workers is also prohibited under the new regulations.

Household workers must also be provided appropriate accommodation and rest of at least nine hours a day.

Other benefits under the regulations are weekly rest days, one month leave after two years of service, paid sick leave of not more than 30 days, health care according to the rules and regulations of Saudi Arabia and end-of-service benefit equivalent to one-month salary after four years.

Household workers, on the other hand, are obliged to do their best in performing their tasks, take care of the properties of their employers and should not harm family members of their employer.

The workers could not also leave their employers without justifiable reasons and should keep the secrets of their employers.

Baldoz said the regulations also carry stiff penalties for both employers and household workers who violate them.

Employers shall be fined 2,000 Saudi riyals and prevented from recruiting household workers, while workers shall be fined 2,000 Saudi riyals and prevented from working in the Kingdom.