Saudi Arabia: Announces Key Labour Law Amendments to Improve Work Environment
The Saudi government has approved key amendments to several articles of the Labour Law, aiming to create a more attractive work environment and contribute to sustainable development in line with the goals of Vision 2030.
The Human Resources and Social Development Ministry has stated that the new amendments include 38 articles, deleting seven articles, and adding two new articles to the Labour Law.
These amendments align with the Saudi employment market strategy as well as international agreements ratified by the country.
The ministry has stated that the new amendments will take effect after 180 days from the date of their publication in the official Gazette.
The amendments aimed to improve the labour market in the country, enhance job stability, preserve the rights of parties to the contractual relationship, in addition to developing human resources, enhancing training opportunities for workers, and increasing job opportunities for citizens.
The amendments took into account the interests of all parties to the contractual relationship.
These included an expansion of the item on holidays and labour contracts; adding definitions of the terms: resignation and assignment; adding an article specifying the procedures for resignation; amending the grievance procedures for the worker; and adding penalties for practicing the activity of employing workers without a licence from the ministry.
The new amendments also stipulate that the employer must formulate a special policy for the training and qualification of employees in order to raise their skills and improve their standard.
A number of amendments were also made in the item on maritime work.
The ministry has explained that the new amendments were made after an extensive study.
This study involved standard comparisons with labour laws in several countries as well as an analysis of best global practices.
Over 1,300 participants offered their opinions and suggestions on the proposed amendments to various articles of the Labour Law.
These inputs were collected via the Istitlaa survey platform, run by the National Competitiveness Centre.
This is in addition to sharing opinions and advice with private sector establishments, relevant government agencies, labour committees, and a number of specialists and experts in human resources through workshops and consultative meetings.
These amendments are formulated to reinforce the directive to develop existing systems and regulations.
The aim is to contribute to supporting the market, production and service sectors.
The amendments also provide an appropriate legislative environment and support small and medium enterprises.
Ultimately, the goal is to create more job opportunities for citizens and achieve sustainable development goals.
These goals align with the labour market strategy and the targets of Vision 2030.
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