I explained Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development In Saudi Arabia, the new amendments to 38 articles of the Work system which was approved by Council of Ministers In its session today, it will contribute to creating a more attractive work environment for workers and achieving sustainable development in accordance with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
These amendments are also in line with the labor market strategy and international agreements ratified by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
She stated that these amendments also aim to improve the labor market in the Kingdom, enhance job stability, preserve the rights of parties to the contractual relationship, in addition to developing human cadres, enhancing training opportunities for workers, and increasing job opportunities for citizens.
She pointed out that the new amendments were made after an extensive study based on standard comparisons with labor systems in several countries, studying the best global practices, and with the participation of more than 1,300 participants who contributed to adding their opinions and suggestions to the proposed amendments to the labor system articles through a survey platform, in addition to sharing opinions and advice with private sector establishments, relevant government agencies, labor committees, and a number of specialists and experts in human resources through workshops and consultative meetings, as the new amendments included amending 38 articles, deleting 7 articles, and adding two new articles to the labor system.
These amendments represent support for the trend to develop existing systems and regulations in a way that contributes to supporting the market and production and service sectors, provides an appropriate legislative environment, and supports small and medium enterprises with the aim of providing more job opportunities for citizens and achieving sustainable development goals in accordance with the labor market strategy and the targets of Vision 2030.
The amendments took into account the interests of all parties to the contractual relationship, and included expanding the chapter on leaves and contracts, adding a definition for the terms (resignation) and (assignment), adding an article specifying the resignation procedures and amending the grievance procedures for the worker, and penalties were added for practicing the activity of employing workers without a license from the ministry.
The new amendments also stipulated that the employer must provide a special policy for training and qualification in order to raise their skills and improve their level. A number of amendments were also made to the chapter on maritime work.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development called on those wishing to view the details of the amendments to the articles of the labor system to visit the ministry’s official website, indicating that the new amendments will be effective 180 days after the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
