Saudi Arabia Domestic Worker Hiring: Musaned Complete Guide (2026)
Introduction
The Musaned platform is the official recruitment portal for domestic workers in Saudi Arabia, operated by the Ministry of Human Resources. This guide explains the complete process of hiring domestic helpers through Musaned and approved recruitment offices.
What is Musaned?
Musaned (musaned.com.sa) is the governments official platform connecting Saudi families with verified domestic workers. All domestic worker recruitment must go through this platform or licensed recruitment offices.
Step-by-Step Hiring Process
Step 1: Register on Musaned Platform
Create an account using your Absher credentials or national ID. You will need:
- Valid national ID or Iqama
- Active Absher account
- Bank account for payments
- Proof of income (salary certificate)
Step 2: Choose Your Recruitment Method
You have two options:
- Musaned Direct: Browse and hire directly through the platform
- Recruitment Office: Use licensed private agencies
Step 3: Select Your Domestic Worker
Filter by:
- Nationality (Philippines, India, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, etc.)
- Profession (maid, nanny, cook, driver, gardener)
- Experience level
- Language skills
- Age range
Step 4: Document Preparation
Required documents include:
- Valid ID/Iqama copy
- Proof of accommodation (showing adequate space)
- Salary certificate or bank statements
- Family status document (for certain nationalities)
- Release letter from previous worker (if applicable)
Step 5: Sign the Contract
The Unified Contract for Domestic Workers includes:
- Job description and duties
- Monthly salary (minimum requirements apply)
- Working hours (up to 10 hours of actual work a day, with at least 8 hours of continuous rest (Art. 10))
- Weekly rest days
- Accommodation details
- Contract duration (typically 2 years)
- Round-trip ticket every 2 years
Step 6: Visa & Iqama Processing
The process involves:
- Recruitment visa issuance
- Medical fitness test (within Saudi Arabia)
- Biometric registration
- Iqama issuance
- Medical insurance enrollment
Cost Breakdown (2026 Estimates)
| Expense | Cost Range (SAR) |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Office Fee | Up to SAR 5,900–14,700 + VAT by nationality (official cap) |
| Visa Fee | 2,000 - 4,000 |
| Medical Insurance (annual) | 1,500 - 2,500 |
| Flight Ticket | 2,000 - 5,000 |
| Medical Test | 400 - 800 |
| Iqama Fee | 500 - 1,000 |
| Total | Office fee (up to the cap + VAT) + SAR 6,400–13,300 other costs |
Saudi Arabia caps the recruitment office price (Ministry of Human Resources, 15 January 2024, excluding VAT, enforced through Musaned): SAR 14,700 Philippines · 13,800 Sri Lanka · 11,750 Bangladesh · 9,000 Kenya · 8,300 Uganda · 5,900 Ethiopia. Ask the office for a written all-in price before you pay.
Saudi Labor Law Requirements
Working Hours
- Up to 10 hours of actual work a day, with at least 8 hours of continuous rest (Art. 10)
- At least one paid weekly rest day of 24 hours (Art. 11)
- Daily rest period: Minimum 8 consecutive hours (Art. 10)
Leave Entitlements
- Weekly rest day: Minimum 1 day
- Annual leave: 30 days after 2 years of service, when the contract is renewed (Art. 12)
- Sick leave: Up to 30 days a year: 15 on full pay, then 15 on half pay (Art. 13)
- Eid leave: 2 days for each Eid
Important 2026 Regulations
Exit Visa Reform
The final exit visa requirement has been abolished. Domestic workers can leave the country upon contract completion without employer permission, provided all obligations are met.
Wage Protection System (WPS)
All salaries must be paid through WPS, with proof of monthly payment recorded on the Ministry of Human Resources portal.
Grace Period for Iqama Transfer
Domestic workers can now transfer to new employers immediately upon contract termination, without the previous 1-year waiting period.
Recruitment Office Selection Tips
- Check Musaned verification status
- Review customer ratings and feedback
- Compare service fees
- Verify nationality specialization
- Confirm replacement policy
- Check after-sales support services
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the hiring process take through Musaned?
Typically 3-6 weeks from application to worker arrival, depending on nationality and recruitment office efficiency.
What is the minimum salary for domestic workers?
Minimum salaries vary by nationality and profession. Generally, maids start from SAR 1,500 monthly, while specialized roles like nannies or cooks command higher salaries.
Can I hire a worker directly from my home country?
No, all domestic worker recruitment must go through Musaned or licensed recruitment offices to ensure proper documentation and worker protection.
What happens if the worker leaves before contract ends?
For the first 90 days after the worker arrives, the recruitment office that brought her is responsible. If she refuses to work in that period, the office must send her home and refund the recruitment fee, minus an amount for the days she worked. File the complaint in your Musaned account. Since 1 February 2024, recruitment-contract insurance is mandatory for the first two years of a newly recruited worker's contract. It covers your recruitment costs if she absconds, refuses to work, dies or can no longer work.
Is health insurance mandatory?
Yes, medical insurance is mandatory for all domestic workers in Saudi Arabia as of 2026.
Conclusion
Hiring domestic workers through Musaned ensures compliance with Saudi regulations while protecting both employer and worker rights. The platform provides transparency, verified workers, and standardized contracts for a secure recruitment process.
Need help hiring? Browse verified agencies on GCC Domestic Saudi page.
---🗂️ Browse every verified agency: our full GCC agency directory lists all licensed offices across the six countries, with licence numbers and contact details.