There is some news about the latest regulations for Indian domestic workers. The Indian government, in order to approve the provision of house workers, has requested the following: A salary of SR1500 per month, a private room and a private mobile phone. This is, of course, added to what is already guaranteed i.e. air tickets, health care, etc.

Apart from the salary that has nearly doubled-up, which is still not an issue for some Saudi families with higher incomes, I believe the requested conditions already exist. Saudis who live in villas have a ‘maid’s room’. What about Saudis who live in apartments? Would the question of providing a private room still be valid? Secondly, many families allow maids to use mobile phones. So what is so new about this?

Along the years, the relation between Saudi families and house workers from India has proved to be unique, respectful and humanitarian. I would wrap this up by saying: Yes to all the requirements if all Saudi families are capable of providing them.

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The writer is Media Manager, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences. Twitter: @abdullahsayel

Email: [email protected]