If you’re searching for “Saudi Arabia Housemaid Salary”, expect to find a wide variation. In 2025, most Kenyan domestic workers in private households earn roughly SAR 800–SAR 2,500 per month, depending on duties, experience, employer, and contract terms.
New labour reforms and minimum-wage moves in the Kingdom are also changing the baseline for migrant workers — read on for exact numbers, conversions to Kenyan shillings (KES), what affects pay, recruitment costs, and practical tips.
Typical salary ranges (real-world numbers)
Domestic worker pay in Saudi Arabia is not a single fixed wage. Here are commonly reported figures:
- Low / entry level: SAR 700–900 / month — often basic housekeeping only.
- Average/common: SAR 1,000–1,800 / month — includes housework + some cooking or childcare.
- Higher end / experienced: SAR 2,000–2,800+ / month — live-out/live-in with formal contract, skilled cooking, full-time childcare, or working for affluent families.
These figures come from job sites, domestic-worker/housemaid guides, and community reports; actual pay varies by region (Riyadh, Jeddah, Eastern Province), employer wealth, and negotiations.
New minimum-wage changes you should know (2025–2026)
In late 2025, Saudi labour reforms introduced changes that affect migrant workers’ minimum guaranteed pay. Official and embassy notices reported a minimum monthly wage of SAR 1,000 (about KSh 34,400) for workers to take effect in early 2026 — this affects contractual bottom lines but many domestic-worker pay offers already fall near or just above this floor.
If your contract promises below the legal minimum in force at the time you travel, raise it with recruiters or the Kenyan embassy in Riyadh.
Note: national minimum wages, sector rules, and implementation dates can change — always verify the formal government notice or ask the Kenyan Embassy before departure.
Convert SAR to Kenyan shillings (practical amounts)
Exchange rates fluctuate. As of early December 2025, 1 SAR ≈ KSh 34.45 (mid-market). Using that rate:
- SAR 800 → ≈ KSh 27,560
- SAR 1,000 → ≈ KSh 34,450
- SAR 1,500 → ≈ KSh 51,680
- SAR 2,500 → ≈ KSh 86,125
(Always check a live currency source or your remittance provider for the exact rate when you send money.)
What affects a Saudi Arabia housemaid salary?
- Scope of duties: cooking + childcare + elderly care commands higher pay than cleaning-only roles.
- Work hours & live-in vs live-out: live-in roles often include food & housing but lower cash pay.
- Experience & skills: trained in childcare, first aid, or cooking skills increases bargaining power.
- Employer profile: embassy staff, executives, or high-net-worth households typically pay more.
- Region & market conditions: Riyadh/Jeddah may pay more than smaller towns.
- Legal/contract protections: formal contracts that guarantee leave, sick pay, and repatriation usually correlate with higher monthly pay.
Recruitment fees, contracts & common deductions
- Recruitment costs: In 2023–2024, Saudi policy changes reduced some hiring fees and capped costs for certain nationalities; check recent agency disclosures before paying. Kenyan media reported cuts to maximum hiring costs for Kenyan domestic workers in early 2024. Always ask for a written invoice and keep receipts.
- Deductions: Some contracts deduct accommodation/food, but this must be transparent. Illegal confiscation of wages or passport retention is a red flag — it’s illegal in many jurisdictions and contrary to fair labour practices.
- Contracts: Insist on a written contract in English/Arabic that shows gross pay, working hours, leave, annual ticket entitlement, medical insurance, and repatriation terms.
Rights, legal protections & the Kafala reforms
Saudi Arabia has been reforming migrant labour rules (moving away from restrictive sponsorship systems). These reforms aim to give workers more mobility and labor protections, but enforcement and interpretation can vary. Before departure:
- Confirm whether your contract and visa type allow lawful employment as a domestic worker.
- Register the contract with the Kenyan Embassy in Riyadh (for assistance if problems arise).
- Keep digital copies of your passport, visa, contract, and emergency contacts.
For up-to-date regulatory details, consult the Kenyan Embassy or official Saudi labour portals.
Sending money home — practical tips
- Use reputable remittance services (banks, Wise, XTransfer, Western Union) and compare rates & transfer fees. Live rates are available on platforms like Wise and XE.
- Consider M-Pesa-compatible services where possible (some banks and remitters support M-Pesa destinations).
- Send larger amounts less often to reduce fixed fees, but balance household cash needs and safety.
Safety checklist before you accept a job
- Get a signed contract in a readable language.
- Verify employer identity and contact details.
- Confirm wages in writing, frequency of pay, and what is included (food, accommodation, transport).
- Check recruitment agency licensing — don’t pay fees to unlicensed middlemen.
- Make copies of your passport, visa, and contract; leave them with a trusted friend/family in Kenya and upload to cloud storage.
Sample salary table (using 1 SAR = KSh 34.45)
| SAR / month | Approx KSh / month |
|---|---|
| 800 | KSh 27,560 |
| 1,000 | KSh 34,450 |
| 1,500 | KSh 51,675 |
| 2,000 | KSh 68,900 |
| 2,500 | KSh 86,125 |
Negotiation & interview tips for Kenyan applicants
- Emphasize experience (childcare, cooking, special skills).
- Ask whether the employer provides medical care, annual leave, and flight home.
- Housemaids are offered below SAR 1,000 (or the legal minimum in force), ask for clarification, and consider embassy advice.
Frequently asked questions (short)
Q: What is the lowest a Kenyan maid should accept in KSA?
A: Aim for at least SAR 1,000 if that is the legal baseline at the time; higher if you supply skilled services or forego paid leave. Verify with the Kenyan Embassy.
Q: Who pays recruitment fees?
A: Policies differ. Always get a written fee schedule from the agency and avoid large upfront cash payments to individuals.
Q: Are housemaids entitled to medical care?
A: Many formal contracts include medical insurance; insist it’s written. If not provided, negotiate compensation for healthcare.
Closing — where to verify before you go
Before accepting any Saudi Arabia Housemaid salary offer, check the contract, confirm pay and benefits, and contact the Kenyan Embassy in Riyadh for registration/advice. Keep copies of everything and use licensed agencies. Labour rules and minimum wages evolve — always verify the latest announcements from official sources before travel.
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