Recruitment Steps Through the Musaned Platform 2026 — The Complete Step-by-Step Guide

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April 17, 2026

On April 17, 2026

Recruitment in Saudi Arabia is now an organised digital process carried out entirely through the official government Musaned platform. It no longer requires repeated visits to several authorities or leaving documents at scattered offices. Everything happens electronically within a clear legal framework, which protects both parties’ rights and ensures a transparent process.

In this guide we explain in detail every step of recruitment through Musaned in 2026, from registering on the platform to receiving the worker at your door. The goal is for you to leave this page knowing exactly what awaits you at each stage, which documents you need and who is responsible for what at each step. We won’t give specific fee figures, as they change with government updates; instead we explain how the procedures are structured and how to handle them smartly.

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What is the Musaned platform, and why is it mandatory for recruitment?

Musaned is the official electronic recruitment portal in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, supervised by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. Every legal recruitment of domestic workers must go through this platform, without exception.

The role of the Musaned platform

The platform provides several core services:

Issuing work visas for domestic workers.
Registering employment contracts electronically.
Organising the relationship between the sponsor and the recruitment company.
Receiving government fees directly.
Providing a database of licensed companies.
Tracking the status of recruitment requests in real time.

Why is recruitment through Musaned mandatory?

It legally protects the rights of the sponsor (employer).
It protects the worker’s rights from exploitation or mistreatment.
It ensures the procedures follow Saudi regulations.
It prevents fraud by fake companies that don’t appear on the platform.
It provides an official reference if any dispute arises.

Who can recruit through Musaned?

Saudi citizens who meet the sponsorship requirements.
Residents who meet the recruitment requirements (under the regulations).
Companies and organisations in the commercial sector.

What doesn’t happen through Musaned

Day-to-day contact with the recruitment company (this happens directly).
The online interview with the worker (arranged by the company).
Internal procedures in the sending country (handled by the company and its partners).

The Musaned platform is the legal framework, and the recruitment company (such as Ekal) is the party that carries out the work. Understanding this division helps you know whom to contact at each step.

What should you prepare before starting the procedures?

Before logging in to the Musaned platform, prepare a set of basic documents and information. Preparing in advance saves you a lot of time later.

Personal documents

A copy of your national ID if you are a citizen, or a valid residence permit if you are a resident.
A copy of the family card or family record.
Your updated national address.
A copy of your passport if you will need it in later steps.

Basic information

Your current home address details.
An active mobile number to receive verification messages.
An active email address to receive updates.
Your bank account details for payment.

Planning ahead

An initial decision on the type of service (live-in worker, hourly worker, private driver).
An approximate monthly or total budget.
A preferred nationality (if you have a preference).
The contract length you want (1 month, 3 months, 6 months, a year).

What you don’t need to prepare in advance

Previous experience of recruitment.
Specialist legal knowledge.
Lots of free time for daily procedures.

The recruitment company (such as Ekal) will handle most of the procedures on your behalf once you authorise it. Your role is to make the big decisions; the administrative work is its responsibility.

Step 1: Register on the Musaned platform

The first step in the recruitment journey is creating an account on the Musaned platform. You do this yourself once, then use the account for all future recruitment.

How to register

Go to the official website of the government Musaned platform. Check that it is the official link, and avoid links that come through unknown messages.
Choose to register a new account.
Enter your national ID or residence permit number.
You will receive a verification message on the phone registered with Absher.
Enter the verification code to create the account.

What must match Absher

The Musaned platform is linked to the government Absher system. So:

The mobile number registered in Absher must be the same one you use.
Your details in Absher must be up to date.
If you have trouble registering, check your Absher account first.

Updating your personal details

After creating the account:

Review the details shown and make sure they are correct.
Update your national address if necessary.
Confirm your mobile number and email.

Important advice

Registration is a personal step the employer (sponsor) does themselves. Don’t authorise anyone to create the account on your behalf, even someone from a recruitment company. The account is your digital identity in official procedures and must not be in someone else’s hands.

Step 2: Checking financial capacity and other requirements

Before you submit a recruitment request, the system must confirm you meet the sponsorship requirements. These are set by the Ministry of Human Resources and applied automatically by the platform.

The sponsor’s basic requirements

The legal age set for sponsorship.
Proven financial capacity (set by the system).
No legal violations that bar sponsorship.
Not exceeding the permitted number of domestic workers per family.
Meeting the specific requirements for residents if you are a resident rather than a citizen.

How does the system check financial capacity?

The system is linked to government data sources (social security, financial authorities).
It assesses capacity against set criteria.
The result appears seconds after the request is submitted.

If you don’t meet the requirements

A message will explain the reason.
Some reasons can be resolved (updating details).
Some reasons take time to settle.
Licensed companies (such as Ekal) can help you understand the reason for the rejection.

Practical advice

If you are worried about meeting the requirements, ask the recruitment company before starting the procedures. A licensed company can guide you based on its experience with similar cases.

Step 3: Submit the visa request

After the requirements are checked, the next stage is requesting the worker’s work visa. This visa is the legal key to the worker coming to the Kingdom.

What the request involves

Choosing the occupation required (domestic worker, private driver, etc.).
Choosing the worker’s nationality.
Entering your details as the employer.
Confirming the details with an electronic signature.

Available nationalities

The available nationalities vary with the bilateral agreements between Saudi Arabia and the sending countries. Common nationalities include:

Workers from Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia.
Workers from the Philippines and Indonesia.
Workers from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Drivers from India, Sudan and Tanzania.

Check the updated list on the Musaned platform, as agreements may change with the season and government decisions.

Choosing the nationality wisely

Don’t choose the nationality based only on price.
Choose based on your home’s needs and the skills required.
Consult the recruitment company about the typical skills of each nationality.
Read about Saudi families’ experiences with different nationalities.

After submitting the request

The request enters the government processing system.
You will get a reference number for the request.
You can follow its status through your Musaned account.

Step 4: Pay the government visa fees

After the request is initially accepted, you will need to pay the government visa fees. These fees are set by the relevant authorities and paid directly through the Musaned platform.

How is payment made?

The system opens the payment page for you automatically.
You can pay by mada card or credit card (Visa, Mastercard).
Some banks offer a bank instalment option.
You will receive an electronic receipt immediately after paying.

The nature of the fees

Government fees vary with:

The nationality of the worker requested.
The type of occupation.
Seasonal updates to government prices.

To know the current fees precisely, check the payment page on the Musaned platform directly, or ask the recruitment company.

What the visa fees include

Visa issue fees.
Electronic service fees.
Some extra fees depending on the authority.

What they don’t include

Government visa fees don’t include:

The recruitment company’s services.
Ticket costs.
Medical tests.
Health insurance.
Delivery to your door.

These services are paid to the recruitment company separately, and they are what the company’s quote covers. Read the recruitment contract carefully to understand what the company’s fees include and what they don’t.

Step 5: Choose a licensed recruitment company

After paying the initial visa fees, you need to choose a licensed recruitment company to carry out the procedures on your behalf. This step determines the quality of your whole experience.

Criteria for choosing the right company

An actual licence from the Ministry of Human Resources.
Registration on the official Musaned platform.
A physical office you can visit.
Several official contact channels (website, unified number, official WhatsApp).
Transparency in setting out fees and terms.
Effective customer service.
Positive reviews from previous clients.

How do you check the licence?

Look up the company on the Musaned platform.
Ask the company for its licence number and check it.
Visit the physical branch before the final commitment.

Ekal Human Resources is a licensed Saudi company, licence no. 25, which you can check directly on the Musaned platform.

Before choosing the company

Compare two or three quotes from different companies.
Ask for a clear breakdown of every item in the quote.
Read previous clients’ reviews.
Ask about the guarantee and replacement terms.

Learn more about the criteria for choosing a trustworthy recruitment company in Ekal’s earlier articles.

Step 6: The online interview with the worker

One of the most important recruitment steps is the online interview with the worker before the final choice. This step doesn’t happen on the Musaned platform; the recruitment company arranges it.

How does the interview work?

The recruitment company contacts approved partners in the worker’s country.
A time is arranged for a video interview.
The interview takes place through a video app (WhatsApp, Zoom or another).
It usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes.

What you can assess

Her language level (English or basic Arabic).
Her personality and calmness.
Her previous experience (if she has any).
Her expectations about the work and accommodation.

Tips before the interview

Prepare a list of specific questions in advance.
Ask for live translation if you need it.
Choose a quiet place for the interview.
Don’t rush your decision at the first interview.

After the interview

If you are satisfied, confirm your choice with the company.
If not, ask to interview another worker.
Ekal doesn’t pressure you into a quick decision, because a comfortable client is the one who succeeds with recruitment.

Step 7: Sign the electronic contract through Musaned

After choosing the worker comes the stage of signing the official electronic contract. This contract is the most important legal document in the relationship between the sponsor, the worker and the recruitment company.

Terms that should be in the contract

The sponsor’s name and ID number.
The worker’s name and identity details.
The recruitment company’s name and licence number.
The worker’s monthly salary.
The contract period.
Daily working hours and days off.
Annual leave terms.
The guarantee and replacement terms.
The total amount paid to the recruitment company and what it covers.
The company’s official bank IBAN.
Each party’s responsibilities if the contract is ended.

How to sign

The contract arrives in your Musaned account in electronic form.
Read the whole contract before signing.
If you find an unclear term, ask for a written explanation before signing.
You sign with a verification code sent to your phone.

Important points before signing

Signing means full legal commitment to the contract terms.
Don’t sign under any time pressure.
Take your time to read carefully.
Consult a specialist or a family member if this is your first time.

What happens after signing

The company starts the actual procedures in the worker’s country.
You receive regular updates through the Musaned platform.
You can follow the request status from your account.

Step 8: Following the worker’s medical tests

Medical tests for the worker before and during recruitment are a mandatory condition to protect everyone. They take place in two stages.

Tests in the sending country

These take place before the worker travels to the Kingdom. They include:

Confirming she is free of infectious diseases.
The approved mandatory basic tests.
The required vaccinations.
An official medical report that travels with the worker.

The recruitment company’s partners in the sending country handle these tests. The results are uploaded to the platform to confirm the worker is ready to travel.

Tests in the Kingdom

When the worker arrives in the Kingdom:

She takes extra mandatory tests at approved centres.
The test results go to the recruitment company.
If she passes all the tests, she is prepared for handover.
If she doesn’t pass, action is taken depending on the case.

The sponsor’s role at this stage

You don’t have to take any medical step yourself.
The recruitment company handles all the procedures.
You will receive confirmation that the worker passed the tests before she reaches your home.

If the worker doesn’t pass the tests

In rare cases, the worker may not pass the tests in the Kingdom. In that case:

The recruitment company handles the situation under the contract.
She may be replaced with another worker under the guarantee terms.
You don’t pay extra fees in this case (under the terms of most trusted contracts).

Step 9: Ticket booking and waiting for arrival

After passing the medical tests comes the stage of booking the worker’s ticket and preparing her to arrive in the Kingdom.

Who pays for the ticket?

In trusted packages, the ticket cost is built into the total package and covered by the recruitment company. Read your contract carefully to make sure. Either way, the ticket is one way for a new recruitment contract.

How long does this stage take?

It varies with:

The nationality and the availability of flights.
The season (peak travel seasons may make it longer).
Updates to government decisions between the two countries.
The airline chosen.

It usually ranges from a few days to a few weeks. The recruitment company gives you a realistic time estimate.

Tracking the worker’s journey

You will receive a notification when the ticket is booked.
You can find out the expected date and time of arrival.
On the day of arrival, the company follows the worker’s arrival at the airport.

Preparing the house before arrival

Use the waiting period to prepare:

The worker’s room (if she is live-in).
Basic hygiene supplies.
A plan for the first days to welcome her and introduce her to the home.
A simple list of the tasks she will start with.

Preparing in advance makes the first days smoother for everyone.

Step 10: Handover and after-arrival procedures

The moment you’ve been waiting for: receiving the worker at your door. But this isn’t the end of the procedures; it is the start of a new stage of day-to-day management.

How is handover done?

The recruitment company (such as Ekal) delivers the worker from the airport.
She arrives at your door at the agreed time.
Handover is made official by signing a handover document.

What to check at handover

That the worker matches the details in the contract (name, age, nationality).
That she looks healthy after her journey.
Her passport and visa.
The medical test reports.

The critical first days

The first seven days decide much of the experience’s success. During them:

Explain the house rules calmly in short sentences.
Start with simple tasks before complex ones.
Give her time to adjust after the journey.
Don’t expect her to master everything right away.
Contact the recruitment company if there is any difficulty.

Follow-up from the recruitment company

Trusted recruitment companies (such as Ekal) follow up with the client in the first weeks:

A call to check she arrived well.
Following the adjustment period.
A fast response to any problem.
Activating the replacement guarantee if needed under the contract terms.

How long does the whole process take?

Everyone starting the recruitment journey asks this. The honest answer: the time varies with several factors, and there is no fixed timeline for every case.

Factors that affect it

The nationality chosen (some nationalities have faster procedures).
Having your documents ready from the start.
The season (peak seasons may make it longer).
Updates to government decisions between the two countries.
How fast the medical tests are.
The availability of flights.
How quickly you respond to procedure requests.

An expected range

Usually, it takes from a few weeks to several months from the start of the procedures to receiving the worker. A licensed company (such as Ekal) gives you a realistic estimate based on your specific case and updates you if anything changes.

How can you shorten the time?

Prepare your documents fully before you start.
Respond quickly to procedure requests.
Choose a licensed, experienced recruitment company.
Start before peak seasons if possible.
Don’t change the nationality chosen after the procedures have started.

What should you do during the wait?

Follow the request status on the Musaned platform.
Keep in touch with the recruitment company for regular updates.
Prepare the house to welcome the worker.
Read about the nationality you chose to understand her cultural background.

Common mistakes in the procedures and how to avoid them

Many families make common mistakes that lengthen the procedures or create problems later. Avoiding them saves you time and effort.

Mistake one: not updating your Absher details

The Musaned platform relies on your Absher details. If your Absher details are out of date (old address, mobile number not updated), you will hit obstacles at every step. Update Absher before you start.

Mistake two: rushing to choose a recruitment company

Some families choose the first company they contact because of dazzling promises or attractive prices. A rushed decision costs you later. Take your time to compare and check the licence.

Mistake three: not reading the contract carefully

The electronic contract contains important terms. Signing it without reading it fully may surprise you with terms you didn’t expect. Take your time, even if it takes days.

Mistake four: paying a personal account

A licensed company only accepts payment by POS or to an IBAN in the company’s name. Any request to transfer to a personal account is an outright sign of fraud. Refuse and report it to the authorities.

Mistake five: changing the nationality after the procedures have started

Choosing a nationality and then changing it after the visa has started is almost legally impossible, or means starting from scratch. Choose carefully at the beginning.

Mistake six: not keeping in regular touch with the recruitment company

Some families disappear after signing the contract, then complain that the procedures are slow. Regular contact with the company keeps you informed and lets any obstacle be dealt with immediately.

Mistake seven: not preparing the house before arrival

Preparing the worker’s room and the house rules before she arrives makes everything easier later. Not preparing creates confusion in the first week.

How does Ekal take the complexity of the procedures off your hands?

All the recruitment steps we have described look long on paper. But in reality, a licensed recruitment company handles most of the work on your behalf and leaves you only the big decisions.

What Ekal handles on your behalf

Following the procedures in the sending country.
Liaising with approved partners.
Scheduling the medical tests.
Booking the tickets.
Sending the worker on the agreed date.
Delivery from the airport to your door.

What you do

Register on the Musaned platform (once).
Choose the company and package.
Accept the worker at the online interview.
Sign the electronic contract.
Pay through official channels.
Welcome the worker at your door.

The difference between doing it yourself and using a company

In theory, you have the right to complete all the procedures yourself without a recruitment company. In practice, the on-the-ground procedures in the worker’s country, contact with the sending authorities, medical tests and tickets all need experience, relationships and sometimes a physical presence in the sending country. So in practice, everyone works with a recruitment company.

Ekal’s philosophy

Ekal is built on the motto “Leave it to us”. The philosophy is simple: the company handles the administrative complications and procedures, and leaves the client with what matters — comfort and time for what they love.

Contact Ekal

To complete recruitment procedures easily and with complete transparency through the official Musaned platform, contact the Ekal team:

WhatsApp: 0536033993
Unified number: 920033993
Website: request our domestic services for individuals

Our team will help you:

Explaining every step of recruitment clearly.
Carrying out the procedures on your behalf in the worker’s country.
Providing the official electronic contract through the Musaned platform.
Following the medical tests and booking the tickets.
Delivering the worker to your door.
Following up in the first weeks to make sure the experience succeeds.

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Frequently asked questions

1. Is registering on the Musaned platform free?

Yes. Creating an account on the Musaned platform is free for citizens and residents who meet the requirements. There is no fee for registration itself; fees come later when you submit the visa request and the actual procedures are carried out. Go to the platform’s official website and create your account once to use for all future recruitment.

2. How long does the whole recruitment journey take from start to finish?

The time varies with the worker’s nationality, the season, government updates and how quickly you respond to the procedures. It usually ranges from a few weeks to several months. A licensed recruitment company (such as Ekal) gives you a realistic estimate based on your case and updates you if anything changes. For an accurate estimate, contact Ekal on 0536033993.

3. What documents are needed to start recruitment?

The basic documents include a copy of your national ID if you are a citizen or a valid residence permit if you are a resident, a copy of the family card or family record, and your updated national address. Your Absher details must be up to date because the Musaned platform is linked to Absher. The recruitment company may ask for extra documents depending on the type of service.

4. Can I follow my recruitment request myself on the Musaned platform?

Yes. Your Musaned account shows the status of your request at every stage: visa, medical tests, ticket booking and delivery. You receive notifications of updates. You can also contact the recruitment company for more details on any stage. The Musaned platform is your official reference for following the request.

5. What happens if the visa request is rejected?

If the request is rejected, the system usually shows the reason. Some reasons can be resolved (updating details, completing documents), while others take time to settle. A licensed recruitment company can help you understand the reason for the rejection and how to deal with it. Contact Ekal on 920033993 if this happens to you.

6. Can residents recruit domestic workers in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, residents can recruit domestic workers under specific conditions set by the Ministry of Human Resources. These include meeting the financial capacity criteria, a valid residence permit, the legal age and no violations. The Musaned system checks automatically whether you meet the requirements. To ask about your exact situation, contact Ekal.

7. Can I change the chosen nationality after the procedures have started?

Changing the nationality after the visa procedures have started is very difficult, because the visa will have been issued for a specific nationality. In most cases it means cancelling the current procedures and starting from scratch, possibly losing some of the fees paid. So choose the nationality carefully before signing, and consult the recruitment company if you aren’t sure.

8. How much are the government visa fees for recruiting a domestic worker?

Government fees vary with the nationality, the type of occupation and seasonal updates to the regulations. To know the current fees precisely, check the payment page on the Musaned platform directly when you submit the request, or ask the recruitment company. Ekal gives you a clear breakdown of every fee in its quote before any financial commitment.

9. When should I start recruitment so the worker arrives by a certain date?

The procedures take time, so booking months before the season ensures the worker arrives on time. To recruit before Ramadan or Eid, start enough months beforehand. Some nationalities have faster procedures than others. Contact Ekal on 0536033993, tell the team the date you want, and they will advise you on the right time to start.

10. How does Ekal help me with the whole process?

Ekal Human Resources is a licensed Saudi company, licence no. 25, registered on the Musaned platform. It handles on your behalf all the on-the-ground procedures in the worker’s country, liaison with approved partners, scheduling medical tests, booking tickets and delivery to your door. Contact us on WhatsApp 0536033993 or the unified number 920033993 to start your recruitment journey easily. Leave it to us.

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Contact us:
Ekal Human Resources Company

☎️ Unified number
9200-33-993

📠 Fax
+966-11-510-4949

📧 Email
info@ekalsa.com

🌍 Website
www.ekalsa.com

📌 Address
Head office: Riyadh, King Abdulaziz District, Ibn Kathir Street, Building No. 7304, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

📮 Mailing address
P.O. Box 10133, Riyadh 11433