Ministry warns against ‘secret’ hiring of maids on hourly basis

RIYADH: In an effort to break down the freeze in the recruitment market, more and more Saudis are reverting to renting out maids by the hour. This is occurring in the light of the recruitment crisis in Saudi Arabia that has continued for the past four years. Prices per hour start at SR25, and the hiring period cannot exceed two days.
The new style of recruitment is being run by Asian managers who distribute flyers in commercial markets and homes as well as through social media websites and mobile phones.
Ministry of Labor and Social Development spokesman Khaled Aba Alkhail said that this form of advertising is a violation of the labor laws and the ministry is working with the police to catch those who are undertaking this business. He said that the names of those advertising on social media websites will be collected and sent to court so that the appropriate penalties can be applied against them.
Alkhail also said that the ministry and the Public Security Department are working together to combat domestic trafficking because of their negative consequences on security, economic development, social values and more. He added that those involved in such activities could face harsh penalties once they are fully investigated by the Investigation and Prosecution Authority. If they are proven to have worked in human trafficking, they could be given a 15-year sentence, a fine of more than SR1 million riyals, or both.