KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly has passed the Sindh Domestic Workers Welfare Bill, introducing major legal protections and employment rights for domestic workers across the province. The bill has now been sent to Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi for final approval before becoming law.
The legislation is being described as a significant step toward improving labour rights and working conditions for thousands of domestic workers in Sindh. Under the proposed law, household employees will officially be recognised as “domestic workers” instead of being referred to as servants.
One of the most important features of the Sindh bill is the complete ban on employing children under the age of 16 as domestic workers. The law also places restrictions on workers aged between 16 and 18, allowing them to perform only light duties that do not affect their health, education, or overall well-being.
The bill introduces strict rules regarding working hours for full-time and live-in domestic workers. According to the legislation, workers cannot be required to work for more than eight hours per day or more than six days a week. Employers will also be legally bound to provide at least one weekly holiday.
If a domestic worker is asked to work on the seventh day, the employer must pay double wages under the new law. The legislation further ensures paid leave during religious festivals, including Eid holidays with salary.
Female domestic workers are expected to benefit significantly from the new law as the bill guarantees six weeks of paid maternity leave. In addition, all domestic workers will be entitled to 10 casual leaves and eight sick leaves annually with full pay.
The legislation also makes it mandatory for employers to pay at least the minimum wage fixed by the Sindh government. Labour rights activists have welcomed the move, calling it an important milestone for worker protection and social welfare in Pakistan.
Once approved by the governor, the Sindh Domestic Workers Welfare Bill will come into immediate effect across the province, providing legal safeguards and better employment conditions for domestic workers in Karachi and other areas of Sindh.
