Saudi Arabia, Indonesia reach agreement over domestic workers

Saudi labor minister said the agreement is part of a framework that aims to protect rights and improve labor relations between workers and employers. (Shutterstock)

• The future of labor relations between the nations is built on solid foundations: labor minister

JEDDAH: An agreement has been reached between Saudi Arabia and Indonesia that will allow Indonesian domestic workers to again work in the Kingdom.
The cooperation deal, which covers a number of domestic professions, was signed by Ahmad bin Suleiman Al-Rajihi, Saudi Arabia’s minister of labor and social development, and Muhammad Hanif Dhakiri, the Indonesian minister of manpower and transmigration, in Jakarta on October 11.
On the sidelines of the signing ceremony, the two ministries also launched an electronic system for the employment of Indonesian laborers designed to assist and speed up the process of recruiting domestic workers, while protecting the contractual rights of all parties.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has close relations with the Republic of Indonesia,” said Al-Rajihi. “Accordingly, we affirm the importance of cooperation and coordination in enhancing bilateral interests between the two countries.”
He added that the future of labor relations between the nations is built on solid foundations, and he looks forward to developing this relationship.
Al-Rajihi also pointed out that the agreement is part of a framework that aims to protect rights and improve labor relations between workers and employers in accordance with the laws and regulations of both countries, in line with the international conventions and treaties.