Saudi citizens traveling abroad with their domestic helpers have been advised to be prepared with documents against any mistreatment allegations that may be raised by their helpers either in revenge or as a way of seeking residency elsewhere.

In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on Thursday, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that such alleged abuse cases are usually filed in countries, such as the United States, that allow residency based on foreign workers' complaints of working long hours, oppression, human trafficking, illegal home detention, underpayment compared to similar jobs in the visited country, forced labor, lack of medical coverage, or any other reasons deemed eligible for residency.

The ministry's advice came in light of increased allegations of abuse filed by domestic helpers against their Saudi sponsors abroad. These allegations, the ministry said, have been found to be motivated by a variety of reasons, including seeking permanent residency in the visited country or securing compensation.

The ministry said that such allegations have always been proven wrong when thoroughly investigated. It called on Saudi employers to educate their domestic helpers well in advance against the consequences of making such false claims punishable by the laws of the US and Europe.

The ministry also advised employers to immediately contact the Saudi embassy in the country they are visiting when such allegations are raised, to provide them with legal support.

Domestic helpers resort to such allegations when they want to stay longer abroad or when they feel that their services will be no longer needed, the statement said.