Saudi Arabia Moves to Curb Illegal Hiring of Maids

DAMMAM: Recruitment firms in Saudi Arabia are working with the country’s Labor Ministry and the police to curb the illegal hiring of maids by families for Ramadan, local media reports said. Saad Al-Badah, former chairman of the national recruitment committee said, while there has been continued action taken over the years, which included the ministry and other agencies, the illicit trade continues. There needs to be better coordination among government agencies, and further support for recruitment companies to completely eradicate this criminal behavior, he was quoted as saying.

Majed Al-Otaibi, owner of a recruitment company, said that some hiring offices are involved in the black market and offer services of illegal workers for around SR4,000 a month.

Nawaf Jabir, director of a recruitment firm, reportedly said it is cooperating with the police to ensure that workers are not hired out illegally to families over the next two months.

He said firms have been reporting violations, with punishment restricted to fines and deportation. He called for tougher action against those involved in the illegal trade.

(Source: FilipinoTimes.ae)