Fines Up to 500 Dinars Proposed to Protect Domestic Workers

Parliament is gearing up to discuss a groundbreaking draft law designed to enhance the rights and protections of workers, with a particular focus on domestic staff. The proposed legislation introduces fines of up to 500 dinars for employers who withhold workers' identification documents without consent.

Modernizing Labor Laws

The draft seeks to modernize labor regulations by replacing outdated terminology like "household servant" with more respectful terms such as "domestic employees." This shift reflects a broader effort to ensure workers' rights are recognized and respected.

Under the proposed law, employers must issue receipts for any certificates, documents, or tools deposited by workers and return them upon request. Failure to comply could lead to fines ranging between 200 to 500 dinars, according to Article 12 of the draft legislation.

Key Amendments

The draft law introduces significant amendments to Articles 2 and 12 of the Labour Law in the Private Sector (Law No. 36 of 2012). It excludes government employees and those under civil or military service regulations, along with family members financially dependent on the employer—such as spouses, parents, and children—from most of the law’s stipulations.

For domestic workers, including nannies, drivers, guards, and cooks, the Cabinet is expected to establish new regulations tailored to their roles, based on the Minister’s recommendations.

Striking a Balance

The government’s ultimate aim with this draft law is to balance protecting workers’ rights with addressing the practicalities of employer-employee relationships in domestic settings. Discussions in Parliament are anticipated to focus on how the proposed rules will affect both workers and employers.

By bringing these updates to the forefront, the draft law promises to reshape employment dynamics, ensuring fairness and respect for all parties involved.

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