Saudi Laws Update

Saudi Cabinet approves national policy to prevent child labor Saudi Gazette report RIYADH —  The minimum age for employment in Saudi Arabia is 15 years, according to a provision in the National Policy to Prevent Child Labor in the Kingdom approved by the Council of Ministers on Tuesday. The approval of the policy, which aims to provide a safe environment for all children, is consistent with the Kingdom’s international obligations under the International Labor Organization Conventions No. 138 and 182. The Cabinet also endorsed the National Action Plan to Prevent Child Labor in the Kingdom. Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi, who is also the chairman of the Family Affairs Council, appreciated the Cabinet’s decision to adopt the National Policy for Preventing Child Labor, saying that this policy aims to provide a safe environment that supports childhood and a society where children enjoy all of their rights guaranteed by the Islamic Shariah and the legis...

Al-Rajhi announces Saudization in malls; creation of 51,000 new jobs Okaz/Saudi Gazette RIYADH —  Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Eng. Ahmed Al-Rajhi announced the Saudization of most jobs in closed commercial complexes (malls). Al-Rajhi issued three ministerial decisions to Saudize a number of activities and professions in the labor market that aim to create 51,000 jobs for Saudis. The first decision is limiting jobs to Saudis in all activities and professions in malls as well as at mall management offices, excluding a limited number of activities and professions. The second decision is to increase the rate of Saudization in the sales outlets of restaurants and cafes in accordance with their classifications and required percentages specified in the procedural guide issued in this regard. The third decision involves increasing the Saudization rates in the major central supply market outlets in accordance with their classifications, professions, and the required p...

 Only Saudis can work in Kingdom’s malls under new rules ARAB NEWS, April 07, 2021 Human Resources and Social Development Minister Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi said changes would mean jobs for 51,000 Saudi men and women Gulf governments are extending localization programs across industries that have in the past relied heavily on expatriates RIYADH: The Kingdom’s shopping malls must only hire Saudis under new labor rules. Human Resources and Social Development Minister Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi issued three new labor directives that are set to transform the country’s retail and restaurant sector. The changes would mean jobs for 51,000 Saudi men and women, he said in a statement. Gulf governments, under pressure to provide more jobs for citizens amid declining oil revenues, are extending localization programs across industries that have in the past relied heavily on expatriates. The first directive stipulated that only Saudis would be able to work in “closed commercial complexes (ma...