Domestic Workers in the Gulf Remain Vulnerable to Abuse Ahead of Ramadan as State Protections Fall Short
February 22, 2026
Domestic Work
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Country-specific labour and domestic workers rights
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Domestic workers face harsher working conditions as Ramadan begins
March 15, 2024
Gulf states continue to neglect the rights of migrant women domestic workers, prioritising employers' needs
An overview of Saudi’s new Domestic Workers Law
December 10, 2023
The law, which comes into force a year from now, provides better protections but lacks enforcement mechanisms
Ill-prepared and uninformed, Ghanaian women risk it all for jobs in the Gulf
June 9, 2023
Many find themselves trafficked to Kurdistan and Iraq
Everyone is involved but no one is responsible
May 30, 2023
With no protections at origin and destination, hope and faith is the recourse of Ghanaian migrants and their families
Hostile Qatar judicial system forces Judith to give up her fight and return home
May 22, 2023
The Kenyan worker makes an appeal to help rebuild her life
In Ghana, the ban that isn’t feeds corruption and desperation
April 30, 2023
As Ghana flounders with processes, agents and GCC employers continue unbridled and unregulated recruitment
Latest In Brief
May 20, 2025
Saudi Arabia Announces 6-Month Amnesty Period for ‘Absconding’ Domestic Workers
The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has announced a six-month grace period, starting 11 May 2025, to regularise the status of domestic workers reported as absconding from work.
October 10, 2024
Saudi Arabia Requires Online Submission of Domestic Work Complaints
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development recently announced that starting from 3 October 2024, those wishing to file complaints related to domestic labour disputes must first submit their claims online through the ministry’s website.
July 23, 2024
Kuwait temporarily allows domestic worker transfser to private sector
The Public Authority for Manpower in Kuwait has recently announced that domestic workers will temporarily be able to transfer their sponsorship to private sector employers under certain conditions. This decision will be effective from 14 July 2024 until 12 September 2024.
June 26, 2024
Qatar’s Shura Council has suggested reintroducing exit permits for domestic workers,
Qatar’s Shura Council has suggested reintroducing exit permits for domestic workers, though it has rephrased the practice as ‘obtaining employer approval’ at least five days before departure.
April 17, 2024
Saudi Arabia revises its regulations for absconding domestic workers
Domestic workers in Saudi Arabia who are reported as absconding will soon have a two-month grace period to leave the country before their status becomes irregular. Workers with over two years of service will have the additional option to transfer sponsorship.