Saudi Arabia: Agreement on Labour Cooperation for Domestic Service Workers Recruitment between the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Labour of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Date of conclusion

2 January 2014

Entry into force

In effect

Text versions

English

Source:

– The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs – Government of India, accessed: 31 March 2014, http://moia.gov.in/writereaddata/pdf/labour_Co-operation_Kingdom_Saudi_Arabia.pdf

Abstract

The aim of this agreement is to protect the rights of Saudi employers and domestic workers from India and regulate the contractual relationship between the two (Art. 2).

Art. 3 defines the areas of cooperation between the two countries which include adopting a standard employment contract for domestic workers, ensuring that recruitment takes place through legitimate recruitment offices and that these offices along with employers do not charge the domestic worker for recruitment, and controlling recruitment costs in both countries.

Art. 4 sets out the responsibilities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which include ensuring that the recruitment, hiring and placement of domestic workers under this agreement is in accordance with relevant laws, rules and regulations; ensuring that the welfare and rights of domestic workers are promoted and protected; ensuring the authenticity of the employment contract which shall include the rights and obligations of both employers and workers and the terms and conditions of employment; ensuring the implementation of the contract; facilitating the settlement of labour contract violation cases and other cases filed to the appropriate Saudi authorities/ courts; facilitating the opening by the employer of a bank account under the name of the domestic worker for the purpose of depositing his/her salary; establishing a 24-hour assistance mechanism for workers; facilitating the issuance of exit visas for the repatriation of workers.

Art. 5 sets out the responsibilities of the Republic of India.

A Joint Committee shall be formed to periodically review, assess and monitor the implementation of the agreement, conduct consultative meeting and make recommendations to resolve any disputes arising from the implementation or interpretation of the agreement (Art. 7).

The agreement is valid for five years and can be renewed for a similar period of time (Art. 10).