The Harsh Reality of Foreign Domestic Workers in Saudi Arabia: Struggles, Reforms, and the Fight for Justice

Foreign domestic workers in Saudi Arabia play a crucial role in many households, assisting with cleaning, childcare, and cooking. However, their experiences vary widely. While some are treated fairly, others face difficult conditions, including abuse, underpayment, and exploitation. This article examines the realities faced by these workers, the laws governing their employment, and the challenges they endure.

A Growing Demand for Domestic Workers Saudi Arabia has long relied on foreign domestic workers, particularly from countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Ethiopia. With a growing middle class and a cultural norm of hiring domestic help, demand for these workers remains high. Many women leave their home countries seeking better financial opportunities, only to face unforeseen difficulties.

The Kafala System: A Major Concern The employment of domestic workers in Saudi Arabia is regulated under the kafala (sponsorship) system, which ties a worker’s legal status to their employer. This system has been widely criticized for enabling abuse, as it gives employers excessive control over their employees. Many workers find themselves unable to change jobs or leave the country without their employer’s consent, making them vulnerable to exploitation.

Recruitment Process and Fees Many domestic workers are recruited through agencies that charge significant fees, often leading to debt bondage. Some women take loans to cover recruitment fees, expecting to repay them through their earnings. However, upon arrival, they may find their salaries lower than promised, making it difficult to clear their debts.

Reports of Abuse and Mistreatment Numerous reports highlight cases of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse faced by domestic workers in Saudi Arabia. Some have been subjected to beatings, long working hours, and even starvation. Many do not have access to their passports or phones, preventing them from seeking help.

Underpayment and Withholding of Wages A common issue among foreign domestic workers is the non-payment or delayed payment of wages. Some employers withhold salaries for months, while others pay less than what was agreed upon in the contract. Since workers depend on their employers for legal residency, demanding their rightful wages often leads to threats of deportation or violence.

Working Conditions and Lack of Rest Many domestic workers report excessive workloads, often working over 15 hours a day without rest. Unlike other professions, domestic workers are not covered under Saudi labor laws, which means they do not receive regulated working hours, overtime pay, or weekly days off.

Efforts to Improve Conditions In response to international criticism, Saudi Arabia has introduced some reforms. The government has attempted to regulate recruitment agencies, improve contract transparency, and provide labor courts for dispute resolution. However, enforcement remains a challenge, and many workers continue to suffer mistreatment.

Escape and Legal Consequences Workers who flee abusive employers often find themselves criminalized. Many end up in detention centers, facing deportation without being able to claim their unpaid wages. Some are accused of theft or absconding, making their legal battles even more complicated.

Role of Embassies and NGOs Foreign embassies in Saudi Arabia provide some level of support, offering shelter and legal assistance to domestic workers who seek help. NGOs and human rights organizations continue to advocate for their rights, urging better legal protections and the abolition of the kafala system.

Cultural Barriers and Isolation Language barriers and cultural differences make it difficult for domestic workers to communicate their grievances. Many come from non-Arabic-speaking countries, making it hard to report abuse or seek medical help when needed. Additionally, strict social norms prevent them from integrating into local communities, increasing their sense of isolation.

Cases of Extreme Abuse and Deaths Tragic stories of extreme abuse, including cases of murder and suicide, have been reported. Some workers have been brutally beaten or subjected to inhumane treatment, leading to their deaths. These cases draw international attention, sparking outrage and calls for justice.

Economic Impact on Sending Countries Despite the challenges, many women continue to seek domestic work in Saudi Arabia due to the economic benefits for their families back home. Remittances from these workers contribute significantly to the economies of their home countries, making the issue a complex one to address.

Employer Perspectives Not all employers mistreat their domestic workers. Many families rely on them and treat them with respect. However, the lack of strong regulations means that bad employers often go unpunished, perpetuating a cycle of abuse.

Recent Legal Reforms and Their Limitations Saudi Arabia has introduced reforms such as allowing workers to change jobs without employer consent and setting up dispute resolution mechanisms. However, these reforms do not fully dismantle the kafala system, and enforcement remains inconsistent.

The Role of Social Media in Exposing Abuse Social media has played a crucial role in exposing mistreatment. Viral videos and testimonies from domestic workers have pressured governments and human rights organizations to act. However, many cases still go unnoticed due to fear of retaliation.

The Way Forward: What Needs to Change? To truly improve conditions for foreign domestic workers, Saudi Arabia must strengthen legal protections, enforce wage payments, and dismantle the kafala system. Additionally, stronger diplomatic efforts between sending and receiving countries are necessary to safeguard workers’ rights.

Foreign domestic workers in Saudi Arabia continue to face significant challenges, from abuse and exploitation to legal hurdles. While some reforms have been introduced, much more needs to be done to ensure their safety and dignity. By addressing these issues, Saudi Arabia can set a positive example for labor rights in the region and beyond.