The 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. working hours for housemaids as proposed in the draft law drawn up by the Shoura Council has divided sociologists and experts in labor laws. Some sociologists feel that fixing working hours for housemaids would further complicate the already precarious relationship between the two parties. Another group of labor law experts and sociologists believes that fixed working hours for maids will go a long way in changing lifestyles especially of those who need domestic helpers late at night. “A majority of Saudi families dine late at night making it difficult for them to fix specific working hours for housemaids. The problem will be exacerbated during vacations,” Najad Khaled said. Even though fixing of working hours for housemaids is important to ensure their good performance, it won't suit the requirements of most of the families, Layla Abdul Rahman said. “I believe what is important is that families should allow the helpers to have enough sleep – not less than seven hours – besides giving them a break in the afternoons,” she said. Several families, she said, stay up late at night and then ask their maids to wake up early. It makes them exhausted and think about running away. “It is their right to have a day off every week,” she said. Alya Muhammad sees that making it obligatory for families not to assign any work to the maids after 10 P.M. effectively helps in reorganizing the family's lifestyle. The problem, she said, is Saudi families have become more dependent on their housemaids. “They feel the pinch when the maid runs away or goes on vacation,” she said. Abdullah Abdulrahman said the proposal is far-fetched and several families would find it tough to implement the system especially in case of drivers. “They will be encouraged to become rebellious and may refuse to work at night even in case of an emergency,” he said.
