Spokesman of the Ministry of Labor and Social Development Khaled Abalkhail said 1,628 female domestic workers of various nationalities have left the guest houses in Saudi Arabia and returned to their countries during the month of Dhu al-Qi'dah (late July- Aug.).

Abalkhail said all these domestic workers had received all their rights before they left the Kingdom, pointing out the ministry has stopped services to violating employers until they incur payments, and will be under monitor by the ministry.

The spokesman added the ministry is seeking to facilitate repatriation for all female domestic workers after their legal procedures are finalized according to the decisions made by the concerned commissions.

He added the guest houses are well-equipped and offer care services which achieve decent home for the residents.

The shelter houses receive those who run away from employers or are being forwarded by their embassies and police stations as they are offered full care until their cases are settled with their employers and their repatriation procedures are done, Abalkhail said.

He emphasized the ministry exerts every effort to protect these runaway workers and obtain them full rights, then urgently deport them back to their countries.

Abalkhail stressed employers’ commitment to the domestic labor regulations that govern the relationship between them and workers, as well as define rights and responsibilities for each labor party.

If any dispute appears, the labor party can lodge a lawsuit against the other party through dispute settlement commissions across all regions of the Kingdom, Abalkhail added.

In this respect, the spokesman also said MLSD established the Support and Protection Administration to follow up on all cases of domestic workers that report violations committed by employers.