public decency Archives • Middle East 24/7

One of the main challenges of working abroad is getting accustomed to and observing the culture of the people and the workplace. If you’re not careful in treading these waters, you might find yourself in a difficult position. This is especially true in countries such as Saudi Arabia and those that follow strict laws and rules concerning public decency and such.

Decency covers areas that are generally shared with the public, including social media and the use of online platforms. Unfortunately, some step over these boundaries and end up paying for the cost of not recognizing such regulations, and for one migrant worker, her job.

Employee Gets Fired after Posting TikTok Video at Workplace — Credits: GMA News Online / YouTube

TikTok Video Costs Employee Her Job in Saudi Arabia

A Filipino working in Saudi Arabia recently got fired after posting a Tiktok video while wearing her work uniform.

The overseas Filipino worker (OFW), identified as “JM”, went to the Philippine Overseas Labour Office (POLO) in Jeddah to ask for help regarding the incident.

According to JM, her Tiktok video was not suggestive or did not include any content that maligned or attacked anyone in any way. It was a video showing her dancing at the store she worked in, wearing her uniform. Unfortunately, someone recognized her in the video and immediately notified the owner of the store.

In response to her video, the management told her to take it down on the social media platform and was also instructed not to report for work. A few days after the incident, she was informed that she had already been terminated.

Meanwhile, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) officer James Mendiola reminded OFWs, especially those in Saudi Arabia, to be mindful when posting content on the internet.

“We would like to remind our OFWs in Saudi Arabia that although we work only during working hours, we are part of their company 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Mendiola explained. “And most of our employers, if not all, are very sensitive to impression or public images, and that includes us. So our social media post and upload must agree or be in line with the norms of the Kingdom.”

As for the Filipina, it was unfortunate that she had to learn her lesson the hard way. In line with this, she advised her fellow Filipinos in the kingdom to be mindful and to think about their actions carefully, especially when putting them out on the internet.

Here is the full video report posted by GMA News Online / YouTube:

Part of what expats need to understand about moving into the Middle East is that much of the traditions and customs observed in countries such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are heavily defined by its laws based on their religion, Islam – from the food and work practices, to public decency, which deals with dressing up and behaviour in public, among others.

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In this article, we will discuss the things which expats need to be reminded of in terms of dressing up, especially in public. Do note, however, that some places tend to be stricter than others when it comes to enforcing these rules. Nevertheless, it pays to know what are allowed and what are not, regardless of where you may be in the country.

What You Need to Know About the Dress Code in Saudi Arabia

Of course, there are separate restrictions for men and women, as with everything else here in Saudi Arabia. So we will take a look at the items allowed for men versus those that are not, as we will do the same for the women.

Men are allowed to wear the following in public:

Decent and smart clothing that does not reveal the shoulders and legs.
Office attire typically includes suits and ties (despite the heat!)

Men are NOT allowed to wear these in public:

Shorts and sleeveless tops, and those with obscene language or messages
Skinny jeans
Jewellery other than your wedding ring (if married) and a wrist watch
Wearing traditional Saudi outfit is not advisable as this may seem bizarre or even offensive behaviour to local Saudis.

Now for the women…

Women are allowed to wear the following in public:

Decent and smart clothing that covers the wrists, ankles, and chest
An abaya – a long cloak (usually black) that is put on top of your “regular” clothes; or
A hijab – which is similar to a headscarf for covering

Women are NOT allowed to wear these in public:

Tight and ill-fitting (body-hugging) clothing
See-through or very light fabric
Heavy make-up; remember… simplicity is the best.

Over the years, there have been many reforms regarding women’s rights and functions in society. Among these include allowing women to drive, to join the army, and assume roles that were traditionally designated only to men. Even the Saudi Crown Prince remarked that abayas “are not necessary” for women. Nevertheless, we want to be as respectful and decent as we can be in society, and to avoid offending others, especially the traditional Saudis.

In summary, the general rule when it comes to dressing up in public (as logic would tell us) is to be as smart and modest as you can when in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, or anywhere in the Middle East, for that matter.

Also, note that the correct observance of dress code is monitored by the Matawain (religious police) who are responsible for the enforcement of modest dress code in accordance with Islamic law in the Kingdom.

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