Saudi Arabia has rolled out fresh regulations governing the employment of domestic workers, marking a significant step to protect worker rights and enhance the appeal of the labor market within the kingdom.

1. Minimum Age Requirement: Domestic workers must now be a minimum of 21 years old, ensuring a level of maturity and experience in the workforce.

2. Contractual Clarity: The regulations emphasize that all dates within the domestic worker's contract are to be calculated according to the Gregorian calendar, unless stated otherwise. Any clauses contradicting these rules are invalidated, provided they are not more favorable to the worker.

3. Debts and Rights: Dues owed to the worker or their heirs are classified as first-degree debts, prioritizing their compensation.

4. Standardized Contracts: Contracts between employers and workers are standardized according to guidelines established by the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources. The contract is available in Arabic, with translations in the worker's official language.

5. Contract Duration: Contracts must have a fixed duration, with the possibility of renewal for one year if not specified otherwise.

6. Essential Contract Elements: Contracts must include crucial details such as job descriptions, names, nationalities, addresses of both parties, the employer's official address, contract signing dates, and validity.

7. Wages and Rights: Contracts should specify wages, payment methods, rights, obligations, probation periods (maximum 90 days), daily working hours, weekly holidays, overtime, contract duration, renewal terms, termination conditions, and insurance.

8. Probation Period: During the probation period, either party can terminate the contract individually. Repeating probation for the same worker requires mutual consent for a different domestic job.

9. Working Hours and Rest: Daily working hours for house workers are set at 10 hours, with a weekly 24-hour paid rest period.

10. Employer Responsibilities: Employers are responsible for bearing recruitment, job change, service transfer, residency, work license fees, and related fines. Keeping the worker's passport or personal documents is prohibited.

11. Worker Protection: Employers are prohibited from subjecting workers to abuse or discrimination based on color, gender, or ethnicity. Workers must have access to communication with their families, embassies, human resources firms, and relevant agencies.

12. Living Conditions: Employers must provide suitable housing and food or allowances to domestic workers.

13. Worker Commitments: Workers are expected to perform their agreed-upon duties, protect the employer's belongings, refrain from physical or verbal assault, and maintain confidentiality.

14. No Self-Employment: Workers cannot engage in self-employment or work for others during the contract duration. They are also expected to adhere to Islamic practices and Saudi societal traditions.