The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has proposed tough new regulations for advertising domestic labor services, with the aim to protect worker dignity, eliminate misleading promotions, and ensure market transparency.
The Ministry published the draft “Regulations for Advertising Domestic Labor Services” on the “Istitlaa” public platform. Significantly, this draft prohibits advertisements using words or phrases that undermine foreign or domestic workers’ dignity, banning false or misleading claims that could deceive customers, either directly or indirectly. Furthermore, the rules explicitly ban false or misleading claims that could deceive customers.
Enforcing Transparency and Language Rules
Advertisements must prominently display the licensed service provider’s name, logo, and registered trademark. A clear statement confirming the provider holds a valid license is also mandatory. Crucially, all ads must appear primarily in Arabic with additional languages are permissible only if the content exactly matches the Arabic version.
The draft also prohibits unauthorized use of ministry names or logos, nor those of related platforms like “Musaned” or “Ajeer.”
The regulations strictly protect worker privacy as ads cannot show individuals or use caricatures without explicit consent, prohibiting posting photos or videos of workers seeking job transfers on social media, allowing only resumes, and with the worker’s approval. The new rules banned group interviews, permitting only individual interviews.
Additionally, Advertisements must not discriminate based on nationality, religion, cost, or salary, with phrases like “best nationality,” “lowest salary,” or “preferred religion” are strictly forbidden. Ads cannot suggest workers bear financial costs for service transfers, or that intermediaries can charge fees outside official payment channels.
The draft mandates all payments flow exclusively through the Musaned platform, whether for recruitment mediation or service transfers.
Broad Applicability of the Regulations
These regulations apply to recruitment agencies, labor service providers, advertisers, and all individuals or entities—citizens, residents, or businesses—advertising through any medium. This includes social media, marketing platforms, mobile messages, email, electronic apps, and roadside billboards.
The ministry emphasizes that these proposed regulations aim to establish clear standards for advertising content. By reducing random and misleading ads, the ministry seeks to protect both consumers and workers while reinforcing compliance with Saudi labor laws governing domestic labor recruitment and services.
