Saudi labour authorities have issued a warning against misleading advertisements offering domestic worker services at “tempting” prices ahead of Ramadan 2025. The increased demand for house helpers during the fasting month has led to a rise in fake recruitment ads, particularly on social media.
Authorities Caution Against Fake Ads
The Musaned platform, Saudi Arabia’s official domestic labour portal, stressed that these offers come from unlicensed entities and urged the public to avoid dealing with unofficial sources.
“People should not be misled by these suspicious advertisements or engage with any unauthorised parties outside the approved platform,” Musaned advised.
Illegal Recruitment Networks
In the run-up to Ramadan, many Saudi households face a recurring issue: the flight of housemaids enticed by higher wages. Illegal recruitment networks are believed to be behind this seasonal trend, luring domestic workers away from their legal employers with promises of better pay.
Who Are Domestic Workers in Saudi Arabia?
Domestic workers in Saudi Arabia include:
- Housekeepers
- Drivers
- Housemaids
- Cleaners
- Cooks
- Security guards
- Farmers
- Live-in nurses
- Tutors
- Nannies
The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources has made Musaned the mandatory channel for domestic worker recruitment, providing essential services such as visa issuance, recruitment requests, and contract management.
Preventing Fake Domestic Worker Ads
To avoid scams and illegal recruitment, Saudi citizens and residents should:
- Only hire through the Musaned platform.
- Avoid engaging with recruitment offers on social media.
- Verify the legitimacy of any agency before making payments.
- Report suspicious ads to authorities.
Government Crackdown on Illegal Hiring
Saudi authorities continue to take strict action against unauthorized recruitment networks. Employers hiring domestic workers through unofficial channels may face legal and financial risks.
