The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of India have inked today in the Indian capital a new labor pact for the recruitment of domestic helpers. The agreement was co-signed by Minister of Labor Adel bin Mohammad Faqih and Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi. In a press statement, Faqih noted that the signed agreement will only allow hiring of domestic helpers through licensed agencies which comply with Saudi regulations and of the country deploying the domestic workers. The Minister also added that the pact is for a five-year term with the provision of automatic renewal after its expiry. The labor pact also prohibits salary deductions from a domestic worker for any recruitment cost, and penalties will be imposed on violators. The agreement also offers a fool-proof protection mechanism, including insurance, especially for domestic workers. Also, the new agreement will prevent contract substitution since the Saudi government is committed to fully enforce regulations on hiring of domestic helpers.
