Musaned is the government platform through which domestic-worker contracts are documented in Saudi Arabia. Recruitment outside it is not permitted, and documenting the contract there is what protects both you and the worker.

1. Eligibility check

Before anything else, the platform verifies your eligibility: income, household size, and the absence of prior labour violations. This is handled electronically, and failing it is the single most common reason a request stalls on day one.

2. Choosing a recruitment office

You select a licensed office and review its rating and published prices. Ask two specific questions: what is the total all-in cost, and what is the expected timeline for this particular nationality? A vague answer to either one tells you enough.

3. Selecting a candidate

The office sends you profiles matching your request. Review the experience, language and personal circumstances — and never approve a profile you have not read. Processing begins in earnest only after your approval.

4. Documenting the contract

The contract is documented electronically with the price, duration and scope of work. Read it before signing: salary, leave, working hours, and replacement terms. What is not written will not be enforceable later.

5. Visa, medical clearance and travel

The office handles the visa, medical examination, attestations and flight booking through its partner office in the worker's country. This is the longest stage and the one most exposed to delay — usually for reasons outside the office's control: medical appointment slots, attestation queues, and flight availability.

6. Arrival and handover

The office receives the worker and hands her over to you with a handover record. Keep your copy. From this point the statutory period begins, during which you may request a replacement if the placement does not work out.

How long does it really take?

Between three and eight weeks or more, depending on the country. Any office promising one fixed timeline for every country is selling you a number, not a commitment.

The practical rule: ask for the timeline and the cost in writing before you pay. An office reluctant to write them down will be reluctant to honour them.