16/01/2024
1127 times read
16/01/2024
1127 times read
![](https://www.arabtimesonline.com/uploads/imported_images/2024/01/domestic-workers.jpg)
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan 16: In a recent announcement, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia revealed a significant reduction in recruitment fees for domestic workers from various nations, including the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia.
The revised fees, aimed at fostering a fair and regulated recruitment industry, were disclosed as follows:
- Philippines: Reduced from SR15,900 to SR14,700
- Sri Lanka: Reduced from SR15,000 to SR13,800
- Bangladesh: Reduced from SR13,000 to SR11,750
- Kenya: Reduced from SR10,870 to SR9,000
- Uganda: Reduced from SR9,500 to SR8,300
- Ethiopia: Reduced from SR6,900 to SR5,900
This decision aligns with the ministry's ongoing efforts to review and standardize recruitment costs, ensuring they remain equitable amid changing dynamics in the recruitment sector. Previously, the ministry instructed licensed recruitment entities to establish upper limits for recruiting domestic workers from specific nationalities.
For countries like Sierra Leone and Burundi, the set upper limit is SR7,500, while it stands at SR10,000 for Thailand, exclusive of value-added tax (VAT).
The ministry clarified that this move is in line with broader goals to enhance services, improve the labor market environment, and elevate its overall appeal. It underscores the ministry's commitment to regular reviews of costs, services, and systems, ensuring alignment with economic changes.
To monitor compliance with the new price ceilings, the ministry will employ the Musaned platform. The initiative emphasizes the ministry's dedication to fostering a balanced and fair recruitment environment within the kingdom, prioritizing both employers and domestic workers alike.