The Ministry of Labor has started penalyzing recruiting firms and offices for violations including overcharging and breaking contractual obligations, after several complaints were filed by citizens.

Some of the complaints have been referred to other government agencies for further action, said Ziad Sayegh, undersecretary for customer services and labor relations.

His comments came as the ministry urged citizens and expatriates, who registered observations and complaints on the performance of recruiters, to communicate with officials on the Musaned website or by telephone.

Sayegh said there are regulations and legal provisions in place to protect the rights of all parties. He did not reveal the number of complaints received by the ministry, or the penalties imposed, but said officials would continue to ensure that everyone abides by the law.

“The ministry seeks to serve its clients by updating and developing procedures, and launch programs and initiatives that best serve citizens,” said Sayegh.

The Musaned website outlines the obligations and rights of citizens, workers and recruiters, he said. The site includes the costs of recruitment, mechanisms to file and resolve disputes, and forms for licenses, visas and other documents.

Sayegh said that all recruiters must publish the costs of hiring workers on the site.

Operators at the ministry’s call center will respond to complaints and inquiries in Arabic, English, Urdu, Hindi, Bahasa Indonesia, Amharic, Malayalam and Tagalog.

The website can be found at www.musaned.gov.sa, or members of the public can call the ministry’s call center on 19911.

The center is open from Saturday until Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.