The Labor Ministry has set up specialized panels to settle disputes involving maids and other house workers. The move comes in line with a new law for the protection of domestic workers, which came into effect on Dec. 1.

“The new panels will look into cases related to financial matters and noncriminal violations,” said Labor Minister Adel Fakeih.

“The panels in different regions will look into cases in their respective areas on the basis of certain regulations,” the minister said, adding that a representative from the prosecution would take part in such meetings.

Ziyad Al-Sayegh, deputy minister for customer services and labor relations, said the panels would hold their meetings at labor offices at the invitation of their chairmen.

“The panels will give their verdicts either unanimously or on the basis of majority opinion,” he said. They will take up cases within 10 days after registering them. However, he said the sessions would be held at a convenient time for the defendants. He said the panels would try to settle disputes cordially in the first five working days.

“If both sides fail to turn up for the session, it would be removed from the register and if they refuse to adopt a cordial settlement, the panel will issue its verdict,” he explained. Both parties will have the right to appeal within 15 days after issuing the verdict.

Al-Sayegh said plaintiffs would be able to appeal against the verdict at the Court of Grievances within 10 days of receiving the verdict until the formation of labor courts.

The new law protects the rights of both domestic workers and their employers. It places emphasis on the fact that employers must pay workers “the agreed monthly salary without delay and give them a day off each week.” Employers are also required to provide domestic workers with “suitable accommodation, as well as granting them at least nine hours of rest daily.”

Workers are entitled to paid sick leave and a one-month paid vacation after putting in two years of work, as well as end-of-service compensation equivalent to one month’s salary after four years.