13 Saudis banned from importing maids

Thirteen Saudis who allegedly mistreated their domestic help have been banned from importing foreign maids.

This is a government measure aimed at warding off criticism that foreign workers are abused in the kingdom.

In a statement issued today by the Labour Ministry, Deputy Minister Ahmed al-Zamil said the unidentified 13 men did not live up to their obligations to the maids – failing to pay them or have them repatriated.

Al-Zamil called on Saudi nationals and residents to follow the regulations governing foreign employees, including paying them on time and allowing them to return home as stipulated in their contracts.

Nationals and residents in affluent Saudi Arabia regularly import domestic help, mainly from Asia.

In July, Human Rights Watch issued a harsh report charging that Asian workers, most notably maids, in Saudi Arabia endured systematic abuse and discrimination while working in conditions resembling slavery.