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Saudi Arabia, Kenya Sign Agreement to Regulate Domestic Worker Recruitment

  • Writer: Xavi
    Xavi
  • Jul 7
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jul 7

Saudi Arabia and Kenya sign bilateral agreement to regulate domestic worker recruitment, protecting rights of employers and workers.
Saudi Arabia and Kenya sign bilateral agreement to regulate domestic worker recruitment, protecting rights of employers and workers.

RIYADH — July 7, 2026 — Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has signed a bilateral agreement with Kenya's Ministry of Labour and Social Protection to establish a regulated framework for recruiting domestic workers from Kenya to the Kingdom.

Key Details at a Glance

Detail

Information

Agreement Type

Bilateral labor cooperation agreement

Signed By (Saudi)

Vice Minister Abdullah Abuthnain

Signed By (Kenya)

Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua

Witnessed By

Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan & Kenya's Musalia Mudavadi

Signing Context

Inaugural Saudi-Kenyan Political Consultations Committee

Key Focus

Regulated recruitment, worker & employer rights protection

What the Agreement Covers

The agreement establishes a structured and coordinated framework to regulate the recruitment of domestic workers from Kenya to Saudi Arabia. Key provisions include:

  • Regulated Recruitment Process: Defines clear procedures governing the employment of domestic workers

  • Rights Protection: Safeguards the rights of both employers and domestic workers

  • Contractual Relationship: Strengthens and regulates the contractual relationship between both parties

  • Compliance Framework: Promotes adherence to applicable labor regulations and agreed standards

  • Institutional Cooperation: Strengthens cooperation between relevant authorities in both countries

"The agreement reflects the two countries' shared commitment to enhancing coordination in labor mobility and establishing clear mechanisms for recruitment."

Signed Alongside Three MoUs

The domestic worker recruitment agreement was one of several deals signed during the inaugural meeting of the Saudi-Kenyan Political Consultations Committee, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Riyadh.

The other three MoUs covered:

  1. Direct Investment – Signed by Saudi Investment Minister Fahad Al-Saif

  2. Customs Cooperation – Signed by ZATCA Governor Suhail Abanmi

  3. Saudi EXIM Bank & Kenya Development Corporation – Signed by Saudi EXIM CEO Saad Al-Khalb

Why This Matters

For Employers in Saudi Arabia:

  • Access to a regulated, transparent recruitment channel for domestic workers from Kenya

  • Clear contractual protections and compliance standards

For Kenyan Workers:

  • Formalized rights protections under a bilateral framework

  • Regulated recruitment procedures aimed at reducing exploitation

For Both Countries:

  • Strengthened bilateral labor cooperation

  • Modernized recruitment framework aligned with international standards

Context: Saudi's Broader Labor Reforms

This agreement is part of Saudi Arabia's wider efforts to develop regulated recruitment frameworks with partner countries. The Kingdom has previously reduced recruitment cost ceilings for domestic workers from Kenya and other countries, and continues to update its domestic labor regulations.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the first meeting of the Saudi-Kenyan Political Consultations Committee, aimed at developing bilateral relations and enhancing coordination across multiple areas of mutual interest.

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For the latest Saudi Arabia labor news, domestic worker recruitment updates, and 2026 Gulf immigration developments, visit: visasupdate.com

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