In a recent announcement, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has taken a significant step to enhance the affordability of hiring domestic workers from selected countries, aligning with its commitment to fair recruitment practices. This move involves a reduction in the upper limit of fees associated with recruiting domestic workers from the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Uganda, Kenya, and Ethiopia.

The adjustments made to the upper ceiling for recruitment costs are as follows:

1. Philippines: SR15,900 to SR14,700
2. Sri Lanka: SR15,000 to SR13,800
3. Bangladesh: SR13,000 to SR11,750
4. Kenya: SR10,870 to SR9,000
5. Uganda: SR9,500 to SR8,300
6. Ethiopia: SR6,900 to SR5,900

This strategic initiative by the MHRSD is part of an ongoing effort to review and adapt recruitment costs and regulations in response to market changes, ensuring equitable and reasonable pricing.

Previously, the ministry directed licensed recruitment companies to set upper limits for the costs of recruiting domestic worker services from various nationalities. For instance, the upper limit for recruiting domestic workers from Sierra Leone and Burundi is SR7500, while it is SR10000 from Thailand (excluding value-added tax, VAT).

This decision reflects the ministry's commitment to developing services, improving the labor market environment, and increasing its overall appeal. It underscores the MHRSD's dedication to continuously reviewing costs, services, and systems in line with economic variables. The ministry emphasizes strict adherence to the announced price ceilings and will monitor compliance through the Musaned platform.