As the many stories of Saudis abusing their domestic help have publicized, there are real issues involving the way some Saudi treat their maids. Tariq Al-Maeena, in this Arab News op-ed, reminds us that problems with domestic employees cut two ways. The cases he reports strongly suggest the existing of a racket based on maids.

I think his solution—that all domestics be contracted by agencies, licensed by government, and then subcontracted by the day, week, or year to households—is a workable one that would avoid many of the issues that affect both maids and their employers.

The other side of household help
Tariq Al-Maeena | Arab News

Our press has over the past few years carried many a story on instances relating to domestic help abuse. The dastardly deeds on these defenseless individuals who had left their lands to serve their employers on foreign soil were stories that often minced at the soul.

And although there have been many accommodating regulations aimed at protecting and preserving the rights and dignity of the expatriate domestic help, it appears from news reports that violations continue.

But what about the other side of this equation? The trials many employers have to contend with when dealing with the employment of such help?
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