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Saudi Arabia is a major recipient of migrant domestic workers (MDWs), will roll out a new domestic workers law in September
Around 3.9 million MDWs work in the country, making up 25% of the total workforce.
The six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states lack comprehensive labor protections for MDWs.
The six GCC states (Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain) employ close to 5.5 million migrant domestic workers
Vulnerability of MDWs
MDWs are excluded from most labor laws, leading to limited protections.
The Kafala sponsorship system ties workers to their employers, creating a power imbalance.
Female MDWs face particular risks of abuse within the household and struggle to seek justice.
Minimum wage is not guaranteed for MDWs, and overtime pay is often unclear.
New Migrant Domestic Worker Law
Will Introduce in September 2024, the law includes some improvements:
Maximum 10 working hours per day and a weekly day off.
Ban on confiscation of worker's identity documents.
Right to communication and contract termination under specific conditions.
Compensation for unjust termination.
Annual paid leave and employer-funded return ticket home.
Mandatory insurance for all new MDW contracts.
Inclusion of MDWs in the Wage Protection System (WPS).
Persisting Concerns
Implementation of the new law remains a major concern.
Wage theft and labor exploitation are widespread with minimal accountability for employers.
The "absconding" system can be misused to control workers' movement.
Limited labor inspections, communication access, and language barriers hinder worker protection.
Indian Migrant Domestic Workers
Indians form the largest migrant group in Saudi Arabia, with many working as domestic workers.
Specific regulations govern Indian MDW recruitment, including a minimum wage and age requirement for women.
However, Indian consular support is seen as inadequate in assisting distressed workers.
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