To improve working conditions and encourage sustainable development, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has authorized changes to the labor code. The amendments aim to develop the labor market, improve employment security, protect rights, and increase job prospects for Saudi residents. They are in line with the aims of Saudi Vision 2030 and international treaties. With an emphasis on leave, contracts, training, and qualification policies, the revisions include editing 38 articles, eliminating seven, and adding two new ones. After publication, the changes will become operative 180 days later.
As of August 7, 2024, Saudi Arabia. The Cabinet session today approved recent amendments to several articles of the labor law, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. These amendments aim to promote sustainable development and make the workplace more attractive to employees, which is in line with Saudi Vision 2030's goals. Moreover, these modifications are consistent with the approved international agreements as well as the labor market plan of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.According to the ministry, these changes will strengthen Saudi Arabia's labor market, enhance job stability, safeguard the rights of all parties to employment contracts, develop human capital, promote worker training opportunities, and expand employment prospects for Saudi citizens.The ministry conducted extensive research, including benchmarking against labor laws in other nations and looking into international best practices, before establishing the new amendments. The ministry looked into it. Over 1,300 people responded to a poll and shared their opinions about the labor law reforms that were being considered. Furthermore, recommendations and ideas were solicited from a range of human resources specialists and experts, labor committees, relevant government agencies, and commercial sector organizations through workshops and consultation sessions.The labor legislation has undergone new amendments that include changes to 38 articles, the removal of seven articles, the insertion of two new articles, and the removal of seven articles. The market, manufacturing, and service sectors are strengthened by these advancements, which encourage the ongoing expansion of current laws and regulations. To fulfill the labor market strategy, Vision 2030 objectives, and long-term development goals, they provide a suitable regulatory environment and assist small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). They take this action to provide citizens with more employment options.The adjustments were designed to account for the interests of all parties involved in employment contracts, and several more sections on leave and contracts were included. The terms "resignation" and "assignment," an article outlining the resignation procedures, and an article revising the grievance procedures were also included in the amendments. Those that took part in worker recruitment campaigns without previously gaining authorization faced sanctions from the government.Furthermore, the suggested changes require companies to establish a policy for training and qualification in order to improve the skills and knowledge of their employees. There were multiple changes made to the section on maritime work.The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development invites anyone interested in learning more about the labor law modifications to visit the ministry's official website. Exactly one hundred and eighty days after being published in the Official Gazette, the new amendments will go into force.