Saudi Arabia and India have signed a new agreement on the recruitment of domestic helpers which both countries said will offer better protection for workers.
The agreement was co-signed by Minister of Labour Adel bin Mohammad Faqih and India’s Minister of Overseas Affairs, Vayalar Ravi.
In a statement run by Saudi Press Agency, Faqih said that the agreement will only allow hiring of domestic helpers through licensed agencies which comply with Saudi regulations.
The Minister also added that the pact is for a five-year term with the provision of automatic renewal after its expiry.
The labour pact also prohibits salary deductions from a domestic worker for any recruitment cost, and penalties will be imposed on violators.
It also offers a protection mechanism, including insurance, especially for domestic workers.
Of the around 500,000 domestic workers in Saudi Arabia, mostly working as maids, helpers, drivers and cleaners, around 10 per cent are women.
There are 2.8 million Indian workers in Saudi Arabia and Indians form the largest expatriate community in the kingdom.
“This would go a long way in protecting the interests of Indian workers,” said Ravi who also thanked the Saudis for “adopting a humanitarian approach” while implementing the Nitaqat work policy under which Riyadh had cracked down on expatriates with illegal documentation.
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