RIYADH — The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has proposed a set of regulations for advertising domestic labor services, aiming to protect workers' dignity, curb misleading promotions, and ensure transparency. The draft "Regulations for Advertising Domestic Labor Services," posted on the "Istitlaa" public consultation platform, prohibits ads containing words or phrases that could undermine the dignity of foreign or domestic workers. It also bans false or misleading claims that could deceive customers, whether directly or indirectly. Under the proposed rules, the ministry's name or logos — as well as those of related platforms such as "Musaned" or "Ajeer" — cannot be used in advertisements. Ads must be in Arabic, though additional languages are allowed if the content matches the Arabic version. They must also display the licensed service provider's name, logo, registered trademark, and a statement confirming the service is provided by a licensed entity. The regulations prohibit showing individuals or using caricatures without their consent, and ban the posting of photos or videos of workers seeking job transfers on social media, allowing only résumés with the workers' approval. Group interviews are forbidden, with only individual interviews permitted, and ads may not discriminate based on nationality, religion, cost, or salary — for example, by using phrases like "best nationality," "lowest salary," or "preferred religion." The draft also forbids suggesting that workers bear any financial costs for service transfers or that intermediaries receive fees under any name outside the official payment channels. All payments must be processed exclusively through the Musaned platform, whether for recruitment mediation or service transfers. These rules would apply to recruitment agencies, labor service providers, advertisers, and all individuals or entities — citizens, residents, or businesses — advertising through any medium, including social media, marketing platforms, mobile messages, email, electronic apps, and roadside billboards. The ministry said the proposal seeks to establish clear standards for advertising content, reduce random and misleading ads, protect both consumers and workers, and reinforce compliance with Saudi labor laws governing domestic labor recruitment and services.
