Sponsoring a housemaid in Saudi Arabia can significantly ease the burden of daily chores, especially for families with demanding schedules. However, the process of sponsorship—known locally as “kafala”—requires careful adherence to official procedures regulated by the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. Whether you're a Saudi citizen or an expatriate, understanding the legal and logistical steps is essential to ensure a smooth, lawful, and efficient hiring process. This comprehensive guide breaks down every stage of sponsoring a housemaid in Saudi Arabia, step by step.
Step 1: Determine Eligibility for Sponsorship
Before initiating the sponsorship process, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria set by the Saudi government. Typically, these requirements include:
Being a Saudi citizen or a qualified expatriate with a valid residency (Iqama) and a stable income
Having no serious legal or labor-related violations on record
Being financially capable of covering the maid's salary, accommodation, and medical insurance
Expatriates may be limited to sponsoring only one domestic worker, while Saudi citizens may be allowed to sponsor more, depending on their family size and income.
Step 2: Choose a Country of Recruitment
Housemaids in Saudi Arabia are often recruited from countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Your choice may depend on factors like language, cultural compatibility, experience, and salary expectations. Some nationalities may have specific requirements or conditions, so it's important to check with the Saudi Ministry or recruitment agencies before proceeding.
Step 3: Register on the Musaned Platform
Musaned (www.musaned.com.sa) is the official online platform provided by the Saudi government to regulate the recruitment of domestic workers. It ensures transparency and protects the rights of both employers and employees.
To begin:
Create an account on Musaned using your Absher credentials
Fill in the application for hiring a domestic worker
Select the country, preferred agency, and job role (housemaid)
Review the list of licensed recruitment agencies and their fees
Musaned allows you to track your application, compare agencies, and manage all documentation in one secure location.
Step 4: Submit the Recruitment Request
After selecting an agency, you can submit a recruitment request through the Musaned portal. The process involves:
Providing personal details and sponsor information
Uploading required documents, including a copy of your national ID (for Saudis) or Iqama (for expats)
Stating the reason for needing a housemaid
Agreeing to the terms and conditions
Paying the recruitment fee, which may vary between SAR 8,000 and SAR 15,000 depending on the country and agency
Once the request is approved, the agency will begin coordinating with their counterpart abroad to find a suitable candidate.
Step 5: Finalize the Employment Contract
Before the housemaid arrives in Saudi Arabia, an employment contract must be issued and signed. This contract outlines:
Job responsibilities
Working hours and weekly rest days
Monthly salary and payment terms
Accommodation and food provision
Duration of the contract (usually 2 years)
Both parties should fully understand and agree to the terms. Contracts submitted via Musaned are considered official and legally binding.
Step 6: Complete Visa Issuance
After the contract is finalized, the recruitment agency will handle the visa processing. The sponsor is required to:
Pay the visa issuance fee (typically SAR 2,000)
Provide medical insurance for the workers
Submit biometric details, if necessary
Once the visa is approved, the housemaid will be scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia.
Step 7: Receive and Accommodate the Maid
Upon arrival, the housemaid will be received at the airport either by the sponsor or a representative. It is the sponsor's responsibility to provide:
Safe and private living quarters within the home
Basic necessities such as bedding, meals, and toiletries
A respectful and safe working environment
It's recommended to offer orientation on household rules, schedule, and expectations to help the maid adjust and perform her duties efficiently.
Step 8: Iqama Registration
Once the maid is in the country, the sponsor must register her residence permit (Iqama) within 90 days. This is done through the Absher platform and typically requires:
A passport-sized photo of the worker
A copy of her passport
Valid medical insurance
Fingerprinting at an authorized biometrics center
The Iqama is renewable annually, and the sponsor is responsible for all related fees.
Step 9: Monitor Compliance and Workers' Rights
As a sponsor, it is your duty to ensure compliance with Saudi labor laws and treat the maid with dignity and fairness. This includes:
Paying her salary on time (monthly or as agreed in the contract)
Providing one day off per week
Allowing annual leave after two years of service
Notifying authorities in case of dispute or early termination
Employers are strongly advised to avoid retaining the maid's passport or restricting her communication with family—both actions are illegal and could result in penalties.
Step 10: Termination or Renewal of Contract
At the end of the two-year contract, you may either renew the contract with mutual consent or allow the maid to return to her home country. If she's leaving, you are responsible for:
Providing a return airline ticket
Paying any outstanding dues, including end-of-service benefits
Updating her exit visa through Absher
If you plan to continue employing her, ensure the contract is renewed formally and all legal documents are kept up to date.
Final Thoughts
Sponsoring a housemaid in Saudi Arabia is a responsibility that requires legal awareness, ethical conduct, and financial readiness. By following the step-by-step process outlined above, you can ensure that the recruitment is smooth, lawful, and respectful to all parties involved. Platforms like Musaned and Absher have simplified the process, allowing sponsors to manage all stages of hiring efficiently. Ultimately, a successful sponsorship results in mutual trust, productivity, and a more balanced household life.
Translated from: استقدام خادمات في حائل.
Step 1: Determine Eligibility for Sponsorship
Before initiating the sponsorship process, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria set by the Saudi government. Typically, these requirements include:
Being a Saudi citizen or a qualified expatriate with a valid residency (Iqama) and a stable income
Having no serious legal or labor-related violations on record
Being financially capable of covering the maid's salary, accommodation, and medical insurance
Expatriates may be limited to sponsoring only one domestic worker, while Saudi citizens may be allowed to sponsor more, depending on their family size and income.
Step 2: Choose a Country of Recruitment
Housemaids in Saudi Arabia are often recruited from countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, and Ethiopia. Your choice may depend on factors like language, cultural compatibility, experience, and salary expectations. Some nationalities may have specific requirements or conditions, so it's important to check with the Saudi Ministry or recruitment agencies before proceeding.
Step 3: Register on the Musaned Platform
Musaned (www.musaned.com.sa) is the official online platform provided by the Saudi government to regulate the recruitment of domestic workers. It ensures transparency and protects the rights of both employers and employees.
To begin:
Create an account on Musaned using your Absher credentials
Fill in the application for hiring a domestic worker
Select the country, preferred agency, and job role (housemaid)
Review the list of licensed recruitment agencies and their fees
Musaned allows you to track your application, compare agencies, and manage all documentation in one secure location.
Step 4: Submit the Recruitment Request
After selecting an agency, you can submit a recruitment request through the Musaned portal. The process involves:
Providing personal details and sponsor information
Uploading required documents, including a copy of your national ID (for Saudis) or Iqama (for expats)
Stating the reason for needing a housemaid
Agreeing to the terms and conditions
Paying the recruitment fee, which may vary between SAR 8,000 and SAR 15,000 depending on the country and agency
Once the request is approved, the agency will begin coordinating with their counterpart abroad to find a suitable candidate.
Step 5: Finalize the Employment Contract
Before the housemaid arrives in Saudi Arabia, an employment contract must be issued and signed. This contract outlines:
Job responsibilities
Working hours and weekly rest days
Monthly salary and payment terms
Accommodation and food provision
Duration of the contract (usually 2 years)
Both parties should fully understand and agree to the terms. Contracts submitted via Musaned are considered official and legally binding.
Step 6: Complete Visa Issuance
After the contract is finalized, the recruitment agency will handle the visa processing. The sponsor is required to:
Pay the visa issuance fee (typically SAR 2,000)
Provide medical insurance for the workers
Submit biometric details, if necessary
Once the visa is approved, the housemaid will be scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia.
Step 7: Receive and Accommodate the Maid
Upon arrival, the housemaid will be received at the airport either by the sponsor or a representative. It is the sponsor's responsibility to provide:
Safe and private living quarters within the home
Basic necessities such as bedding, meals, and toiletries
A respectful and safe working environment
It's recommended to offer orientation on household rules, schedule, and expectations to help the maid adjust and perform her duties efficiently.
Step 8: Iqama Registration
Once the maid is in the country, the sponsor must register her residence permit (Iqama) within 90 days. This is done through the Absher platform and typically requires:
A passport-sized photo of the worker
A copy of her passport
Valid medical insurance
Fingerprinting at an authorized biometrics center
The Iqama is renewable annually, and the sponsor is responsible for all related fees.
Step 9: Monitor Compliance and Workers' Rights
As a sponsor, it is your duty to ensure compliance with Saudi labor laws and treat the maid with dignity and fairness. This includes:
Paying her salary on time (monthly or as agreed in the contract)
Providing one day off per week
Allowing annual leave after two years of service
Notifying authorities in case of dispute or early termination
Employers are strongly advised to avoid retaining the maid's passport or restricting her communication with family—both actions are illegal and could result in penalties.
Step 10: Termination or Renewal of Contract
At the end of the two-year contract, you may either renew the contract with mutual consent or allow the maid to return to her home country. If she's leaving, you are responsible for:
Providing a return airline ticket
Paying any outstanding dues, including end-of-service benefits
Updating her exit visa through Absher
If you plan to continue employing her, ensure the contract is renewed formally and all legal documents are kept up to date.
Final Thoughts
Sponsoring a housemaid in Saudi Arabia is a responsibility that requires legal awareness, ethical conduct, and financial readiness. By following the step-by-step process outlined above, you can ensure that the recruitment is smooth, lawful, and respectful to all parties involved. Platforms like Musaned and Absher have simplified the process, allowing sponsors to manage all stages of hiring efficiently. Ultimately, a successful sponsorship results in mutual trust, productivity, and a more balanced household life.
Translated from: استقدام خادمات في حائل.