RIGHTS OF EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES TO BE PROTECTED

JEDDAH — The GCC has decided to introduce a joint work contract for housemaids next year. The bloc’s labor ministers have endorsed the plan and assigned an expert panel to finalize articles of the contract.
“The ministers have agreed that the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers should be specified in the joint contract and it should not infringe on the rights of both parties,” said Bahraini Labor Minister Jameel Al-Humaidan, according to Arab News.
Saudi Arabia recently announced new rules to protect the rights of foreign domestic workers, most of whom are from South Asia. The new Saudi rules require employers to pay workers “the agreed monthly salary without delay, and give them a day off each week.”
Employers are also required to provide domestic workers with suitable accommodation and at least nine hours rest each day.