Sponsoring a housemaid in Saudi Arabia requires careful adherence to government regulations. This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire process to ensure full compliance with Saudi labor laws.

1. Determine Eligibility for Sponsorship

Before beginning the process, verify that you meet sponsorship requirements:

• Must be a Saudi citizen or resident with valid iqama
• Minimum monthly salary requirement (typically SR 3,000-5,000)
• Adequate housing space for domestic worker
• No existing sponsorship violations

2. Choose Between Private or Agency Sponsorship

You have two options:

• Private Sponsorship: Direct hiring through personal contacts
• Agency Sponsorship: Hiring through licensed recruitment agencies (recommended for first-time sponsors)

3. Prepare Required Documents

Gather these essential documents:

• Copy of your Saudi ID/Iqama
• Recent salary certificate
• Housing contract or ownership documents
• Family registration document (for citizens)
• Bank statement showing financial capability

4. Select a Recruitment Channel

Official recruitment options include:

• Musaned Platform: Government's electronic system for domestic workers
• Licensed Recruitment Agencies: Approved by Ministry of Human Resources
• Diplomatic Channels: Through embassies of labor-exporting countries

5. Complete the Online Application

Follow these steps on the Musaned platform:

1. Create an account
2. Fill the electronic sponsorship application
3. Upload required documents
4. Pay the initial fees (around SR 3,000-5,000)

6. Visa Processing Stage

Once approved:

• The system generates a work visa
• Send visa to worker's home country
• Worker undergoes medical tests in home country
• Worker obtains passport with work visa stamp

7. Worker's Arrival in Saudi Arabia

Upon arrival:

• Complete fingerprinting and biometric registration
• Conduct additional medical tests in Saudi Arabia
• Purchase mandatory health insurance
• Finalize contract through Qiwa platform

8. Issuance of Iqama (Residence Permit)

Final steps:

• Submit worker's documents to Jawazat (Passport Office)
• Pay iqama fees (approximately SR 2,400 annually)
• Receive worker's iqama within 2-4 weeks

9. Ongoing Sponsor Responsibilities

As a sponsor, you must:

• Pay salaries on time through WPS system
• Renew iqama annually before expiration
• Provide adequate housing and healthcare
• Grant annual leave and weekly rest days
• Handle final exit procedures when contract ends

10. Understanding Worker's Rights

Saudi law guarantees domestic workers:

• Retention of their passport
• 9 hours of daily rest
• 30 days paid annual leave
• Clear job description in contract
• End-of-service benefits

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Delaying iqama renewal
• Withholding worker's passport
• Failure to pay salaries on time
• Not providing proper accommodation
• Attempting to transfer sponsorship illegally

By following this step-by-step guide, you can successfully sponsor a housemaid while complying with all Saudi regulations. Remember that proper documentation and timely processing are key to avoiding legal issues.

Translated from: استقدام خادمات في جدة.