Registering domestic workers with social security: conditions and documents

The social protection system in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a cornerstone for ensuring the financial stability of individuals and families. The General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) continuously strives to clarify the regulations and systems that guarantee the rights of workers in various sectors. In this context, numerous questions arose regarding the possibility of including domestic workers under the umbrella of social insurance, a matter which GOSI addressed in detail, removing any ambiguity about the targeted categories.

Are domestic workers subject to social security?

The General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) has settled the debate surrounding the registration of domestic workers. Through its official channels and frequently asked questions (FAQs), GOSI clarified that the primary criterion for social insurance coverage is the place of employment .

Therefore, to register domestic workers, the workplace must not be located directly within a private residence. This means:

• Categories covered: Those who work as property guards or “gardeners” (orchardists) and those in similar positions are subject to the provisions of the system, as their work acquires a character that differs from purely domestic domestic service.
• Exempt categories: Workers who work directly within private residential units to serve the family, as this category is usually subject to the domestic worker regulations of the Ministry of Human Resources.

Documents required for disbursing benefits to family members

As part of its commitment to safeguarding the rights of subscribers and their heirs, the Social Security Corporation has established a detailed list of required documents that family members must submit to ensure the disbursement of insurance benefits in the event of the subscriber's death. This step aims to streamline procedures and guarantee that benefits reach their rightful beneficiaries.

The list of required documents includes the following:

1. Fill out compensation procedures form , which can be obtained through the institution’s electronic portal.
2. Submit death certificate , or any certified official document that accurately specifies the date of death.
3. An official certified document that lists the heirs and beneficiaries , stating their ages.
4. The marriage contract of the widow or widower to the deceased subscriber, or an official document proving the continuation of the marital relationship until death.
5. Proof of dependency, which is a document stating that the subscriber was supporting the applicant for disbursement (the widow, sons and daughters are exempt from this condition).
6. For students who are sons or brothers over the age of 21: they must submit a document proving their enrollment in studies, which must be renewed annually until graduation or reaching the age of 26.
7. Approved medical reports in cases of inability to earn a living are to be presented to the competent medical committee.
8. For the father, grandfather, or widower: a document proving that he has reached the age of sixty, or a medical certificate proving his inability to earn a living if he is younger than that.
9. The bank account number (IBAN) to which the beneficiary wishes to transfer the pension.
10. National identity card or family card for eligible heirs.

The authority also noted the need for non-Saudi heirs to submit the annual declaration on the specified dates to ensure the continued disbursement of the pension.

Optional Subscription Scheme: Insurance Umbrella for the Self-Employed

In line with economic developments and the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which supports self-employment and entrepreneurship, the Saudi social insurance system has made voluntary enrollment in the pensions branch available. This system provides social protection to a wide range of citizens who are not in traditional employment relationships with employers.

The optional subscription targets the following groups:

• Self-employed professionals: such as doctors, engineers, and lawyers, provided they obtain a license to practice the profession.
• Craftsmen: those who work for themselves (such as carpenters, plumbers, blacksmiths) under official licenses.
• Workers outside the Kingdom: Saudis who work abroad and are not affiliated with an employer inside the Kingdom.
• Employees of foreign missions: Saudis working in embassies, consulates and international military missions within the Kingdom who are not subject to the system compulsorily.
• Those whose mandatory subscription has stopped: Citizens who have left their jobs and wish to complete their subscription periods to ensure they receive a pension in the future.

This regulation is a vital step to enhance social security, as it guarantees subscribers the option to receive retirement, disability and death pensions, thus providing a decent life for them and their families.