Saudi Arabia is home to thousands of foreign domestic workers, with the majority coming from the Philippines, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Vietnam, and other overseas countries. As an employer, the demand for a maid, nanny, driver and other household workers continues to grow, and the hiring process has become more streamlined and efficient with the advent of technology. One such platform that has revolutionized the domestic worker hiring process is Musaned, the electronic visa application system for household workers in the country. In this article, we will explore the features and benefits of using the platform and how it has made the process of hiring help from abroad simpler and more accessible for employers and their family.
What is Musaned?
Musaned is an integrated electronic system developed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Development in 2015 that enhances the recruitment procedures of domestic workers and protects the rights of all parties involved. The platform focuses on automating the contractual process, which is the most significant scope in the domestic work sector. The three major processes in the domestic labor sector: first: pre-arrival of the worker, second: contractual process, and third: arrival of workers in Saudi Arabia. By digitizing the recruitment process, it eliminates the need for you as an employer to physically visit local offices, making it more convenient and efficient. The platform integrates three components: e-visa, e-contracting, and e-Tawtheeq (attestation), enabling employers to process the papers of their workers and get the visa at any time.
Musaned Features and Tools
The platform, which is available in English or Arabic has several tools that both employers and domestic workers may find useful:
- A list of licensed recruitment agencies
- Locations of government offices and their services
- Query on the status of the visa application
- Eligibility check for a maid’s visa
- FAQs on applying for a work visa,contractual process, rights and law on domestic labor
The platform provides clear and useful information with regards to domestic workers in the country. This is a positive step from the Saudi Arabia government to protect the rights of domestic workers and address other issues relevant to domestic work.
What to do before applying for a work visa?
Before applying through the Musaned portal’s process, you need to complete certain steps.
First, you must register on the Absher system and pay a SAR 2000 (USD 533) fee via Sadad or an ATM. Additionally, you should ensure that all traffic violation fines are paid off before applying for a visa – unsettled traffic violations may cause the visa to be declined which hinders the overall process. This system ensures that employers go through the necessary processes and fulfill their obligations.
How much is it to apply for the e-visa?
In addition to the SAR 2000 fee, you as an employer are also required to pay SAR 150 (USD 40) for the electronic issuance of the visa via the platform. No fees are charged to housemaids in the application and hiring process. You should consider the cost implications and factor them into their hiring decisions.
Fees for Hiring Filipino Housemaids Dropped by 50%
In September 2019, the Ministry of Labor and Social Development launched a new service through its Musaned portal called Maaroufah, a cost-effective solution to hire domestic workers from the Philippines. Its goal is to facilitate and organize recruitment procedures and provide high-level services for hiring helpers from the Philippines. You can hire a worker by spending a fixed amount of 10,752.50 SAR (2,867 US dollars), including VAT. The hiring process under the Maaroufah scheme will take a maximum period of 45 days, provided that the employer chooses the helper and provides the necessary requirements such as passport, address and contact information of the chosen worker. This enables employers to obtain a work permit for a Filipino maid more efficiently. You should consider the financial implications of hiring helpers under the Maaroufah scheme and make an informed decision based on their budget and requirements.
How much is the overall cost to hire a Filipino domestic worker in Maaroufah?
The following are the cost considerations for employers:
- SAR 2000 (US$ 533) visa fee paid via Sadad or ATM.
- SAR 150 (US$ 40) for the electronic issuance of the visa via the platform
- SAR 10,752.50 (US$ 2,867) Maaroufah service fee (includes agency fees)
Other costs to be considered are the domestic worker’s travel expenses (airfare, bus fare etc) depending on their location from the chosen Maaroufah agency’s office, financial assistance if needed which is highly encouraged but is not required for employers.
How does it work?
Once you agree to hire a domestic worker, you can ask him/her to provide their name, passport number, passport photo, and phone number. Using the e-contracting service, both parties can sign a contract online. This eliminates the need for you to meet the agent in person, making the process more convenient and accessible. Musaned’s user-friendly interface ensures a seamless experience for employers throughout the hiring process.
Know more about Maarofa service here!
Hiring Filipino Housemaids to Saudi Arabia
HelperChoice is an ethical online platform created more than 10 years ago, directly connecting applicants and families in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. You can register for free on HelperChoice to browse through our pool of applicants and subscribe to our premium service to view their WhatsApp number for direct communication.
Interviews can be conducted within the website, and once you and the candidate agree to enter into a contract, you will be referred to ethical Maaroufah offices in Riyadh to process the helper’s hiring and other hiring documents. HelperChoice provides an ethical and cost-effective solution for hiring migrant workers from the Philippines. With HelperChoice, you can find reliable and skilled helpers who meet your specific needs.
Legal Conditions and Working Hours
Once a foreign domestic worker arrives in the country, obtaining an Iqama (residence permit) is an essential step in ensuring their status and rights within the country. The Iqama serves as an identification card and legal document that grants them permission to reside and work in Saudi.
It is crucial for employers to understand that this document represents more than just a legal requirement. It serves as proof of the worker’s legal status in the country and provides them with certain rights and protections. These include access to healthcare services, the ability to open bank accounts, and legal recourse in case of any employment-related disputes.
Employers should be aware of their responsibilities in maintaining their housemaid’s Iqama and ensuring its validity. Failing to renew the Iqama or allowing it to expire can have severe consequences for both the employer and the worker, potentially leading to complications and jeopardizing the worker’s stay in the country.
It is also important to note that as an employer, you are responsible for the safety and health of your house maid. The country has implemented laws and regulations to protect the workers. It is essential to familiarize yourself with these laws to ensure you comply with the requirements. By adhering to these regulations, you contribute to creating a fair and respectful environment.
Under the Saudi labor law, maids are entitled to certain rights, including a written contract, a monthly salary, a weekly day off, and annual leave. The maximum hours for helpers should not exceed eight hours per day, with breaks for meals and rest. It is crucial to respect these regulations to promote fair and just conditions for your domestic worker. Prioritizing your worker’s health and well-being contributes to a harmonious relationship, a positive environment in your house and for your family.
Human Trafficking and Forced Labor Concerns
While the government platform has undoubtedly streamlined the process of hiring domestic workers in Saudi Arabia, it is crucial to acknowledge and address the concerns related to human trafficking and forced labor. These issues have plagued the global market, and the domestic work sector is not immune to them.
Human trafficking is a grave violation of rights and involves the recruitment, transportation, and exploitation of individuals through force, coercion, or deception. In some cases, migrant workers, including domestic helpers, may find themselves in situations of forced labor, where they are subjected to abusive working conditions, withheld salary, passport confiscation or restricted movement.
It is imperative for employers to prioritize the protection of migrant workers and actively combat trafficking and forced labor. Stringent measures should be in place to ensure that the recruitment process, including the agency, is ethical, transparent, and free from exploitation.
As an employer, it is your responsibility to engage in ethical hiring practices and ensure that the workers you employ are not victims of such practices. Conduct thorough research on the recruitment agency you choose to work with, ensuring that they adhere to international standards and comply with the laws and regulations of Saudi Arabia.
Typically an ethical agency will not charge the future helper any fee nor confiscate her IDs or passport.
By being vigilant and informed, you contribute to the prevention of human trafficking and forced labor. Respect the rights of your domestic worker, treat them with dignity, and create a safe and supportive environment. Additionally, if you suspect any instances of human trafficking or forced labor, it is essential to report such cases to the relevant authorities for appropriate action.
The Kingdom has taken steps to address these concerns by implementing laws and regulations aimed at protecting the helpers. Employers should familiarize themselves with these laws, which include provisions for written contracts, weekly days off, minimum salary and annual leave, among others. Adhering to these regulations ensures fair and just conditions for maids, fostering a harmonious relationship between families and employees.
The Role of the Philippine Embassy
The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh plays a vital role in ensuring the welfare and protection of Filipino maids in the country. They provide consular services and assistance to Filipino workers, including legal aid, repatriation support, and addressing concerns related to employment. If you encounter any issues or require assistance, you can reach out to the Philippine Embassy for guidance and support. Maintaining open communication with the embassy can help resolve any potential challenges and ensure the well-being of your helper in your house.
Conclusion
Musaned has revolutionized the process of hiring helpers in Saudi Arabia. Its electronic visa application system and integrated features have made it easier and more accessible for families to hire helpers from abroad. By embracing technology and implementing this system, the Saudi Arabian government demonstrates its commitment to protecting the rights of women, migrant workers, and improving the domestic work industry.
Platforms like Musaned and HelperChoice provide valuable tools and resources for employers, offering transparency, convenience, and ethical recruitment options. As an employer, you can take advantage of these platforms to find and hire qualified helpers while ensuring compliance with legal conditions and promoting a fair environment. Start your hiring journey today and simplify the process of employing workers in Riyadh while fostering a positive experience for both your family and the domestic worker. By working together, we can create a harmonious and supportive environment for all parties involved in the domestic work sector.
The Musaned system and the Maaroufah scheme has greatly benefited both employers and domestic workers since it’s inception. Be ready to start your hiring journey, search for a domestic candidate now on HelperChoice!
Search for a maid in Saudi Arabia now! →
