RIYADH: To meet the growing demand for domestic helps in Saudi households, the Ministry of Labor (MoL) is considering the possibility of employing the dependents of expatriates as housemaids, provided they are willing to take up such jobs.

A local daily has quoted official sources at the ministry as saying that the proposal has been put forward for necessary consideration and possible implementation.

The ministry has made a set of proposals to meet the market needs of the Kingdom, especially with regard to the rising demand for male and female domestic helps.

The ministry is also considering the possibility of coordinating with foreign recruitment in Gulf countries to open offices in the Kingdom and streamline recruitment procedures to Saudi Arabia, which could minimize the cost of recruitment.

Another proposal seeks to stress on a police clearance report for both male and female domestic workers who come for employment to the Kingdom.

It was also suggested that mandatory insurance be required of all domestic workers who come to work in the Kingdom. This would cover their medical and repatriation costs and any other expenses accrued due to breach of contract by either party.