Saudi Arabia Gives Domestic Workers 6 Months to Fix Their Work Status
The Saudi government has announced an important new rule to help foreign domestic workers who have been reported as “runaways.” These workers now have six months to fix their legal status and find new employers without getting in trouble.
This new grace period started on May 11, 2025. It only applies to workers who were reported as missing before this date and who are still in Saudi Arabia. The government wants to give these workers a fair chance to correct their situation while also protecting the rights of employers.
Workers who qualify can use this time to transfer their work sponsorship to a new employer. They can do this completely online through Musaned, Saudi Arabia’s official website for household workers. The system makes it easy for new employers to hire these workers legally without needing to visit any government offices.
This is good news for everyone involved. Workers who may have left their jobs for good reasons now have a way to work legally again. Employers who need domestic helpers can find experienced workers through proper channels. The government benefits too because it helps keep the labor market organized and fair.
The Musaned website has been helping with domestic worker contracts since 2016. It allows employers and workers to check contracts, track job applications, and solve work problems in a clear way. This new rule continues Saudi Arabia’s efforts to improve working conditions for everyone.
Workers who don’t take this opportunity by November 2025 could face serious problems. They might be fined or even deported. Employers who hire workers without fixing their status could also get penalties. The government is being strict about this because they want to stop illegal employment.
This decision shows Saudi Arabia’s commitment to creating a fair work environment. Many workers come to Saudi Arabia from other countries to support their families back home. The government understands this and wants to make sure they are treated properly while also making sure employers follow the rules.
For domestic workers who want to use this chance, they should act quickly. The best way is to find a new employer who will help with the transfer process on Musaned. Workers can ask friends or community groups for help if they don’t understand the system.
Employers looking for domestic help should check Musaned first. Hiring workers through the official system protects both the employer and the worker. It ensures the worker has proper documents and that the employer won’t have legal problems later.
The Ministry of Human Resources says this is part of bigger changes to improve Saudi Arabia’s labor market. In recent years, the country has made many reforms to protect worker rights while also making business easier for employers. These changes help Saudi Arabia’s economy grow while keeping fair treatment for all workers.
As the November 2025 deadline gets closer, both workers and employers should pay attention. Workers who fix their status now can avoid trouble later. Employers who need workers should use this chance to hire through legal channels. The government will likely be strict about enforcing the rules after the grace period ends.
This new policy reflects how Saudi Arabia is modernizing its labor system. By using technology like Musaned, the government makes processes faster and more transparent. This helps prevent misunderstandings between workers and employers. It’s part of the country’s Vision 2030 plan to build a stronger, more diverse economy.
For anyone affected by this change, the most important thing is to act before time runs out. Workers should try to find new employers quickly, and employers should make sure any workers they hire have proper documents. The Musaned website has all the information needed to complete the process correctly.
This six-month window is a valuable opportunity for workers to get their papers in order and continue working legally in Saudi Arabia. The government hopes this solution will help both workers and employers while maintaining order in the domestic labor market. It’s a balanced approach that shows Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fair labor practices as the country continues to develop its economy and society.
