Ramadan Wage Increase For Domestic Workers In Saudi
As the holy month of Ramadan gets closer in Saudi Arabia, there has been a noticeable doubling of hourly wages for domestic workers, such as cleaners, cooks, and helpers. For instance, the hourly pay for a cleaning worker has jumped from 25 Saudi Riyals to 50 Riyals during this time.
A recent survey found that the demand for household helpers rises sharply during Ramadan. Naif Al-Khaled, a supervisor at a company that provides hourly domestic workers, explained: “Families often need extra help during Ramadan for cooking, cleaning, and childcare, which leads to higher wages for workers.”
Here’s a breakdown of the changes:
- Cleaning Workers:
- Normally earn 25 Riyals per hour (for tasks like sweeping, mopping, etc.).
- During Ramadan, this increases to 50 Riyals per hour.
- Some cleaners also take on childcare duties during their shifts.
- Cooks:
- Earn 300–350 Riyals per day for an 8-hour shift (preparing meals like iftar and suhoor).
- Special Ramadan Packages:
- Companies now offer short-term deals to meet the high demand. For example:
- 4-hour service (one day a week): 150 Riyals.
- 8-hour service: 300 Riyals.
- Companies now offer short-term deals to meet the high demand. For example:
- Combined Roles:
- Workers who handle both cleaning and cooking can earn up to 800 Riyals per day during Ramadan.
Why Does This Happen?
Ramadan is a busy time for families in Saudi Arabia. Many host large gatherings for iftar (the meal to break the fast) or need help with daily chores while fasting. This creates a surge in demand for domestic workers, leading companies to raise wages and offer flexible packages.
Key Takeaways:
- Wages for cleaners double during Ramadan (50 Riyals/hour).
- Cooks’ daily pay ranges from 300–350 Riyals.
- Short-term packages (4–8 hours) make it easier for families to hire help.
- Workers with multiple skills (cleaning + cooking) earn the most (800 Riyals/day).
