Millions of Pakistanis travel to Saudi Arabia for employment, while thousands more are seeking job opportunities there. Pakistani workers already living in Saudi Arabia and those planning to travel for employment have been advised to follow important guidelines to avoid difficulties.
According to guidelines issued by the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, Pakistanis travelling to Saudi Arabia for work should always carry their Iqama (residence permit) and have it renewed before it expires. Workers have also been advised to wear the required safety equipment at their workplaces.
Pakistani citizens should keep copies of their monthly salary receipts and bank statements, maintain a record of their end-of-service benefits and send money to their families in Pakistan only through official channels.
Workers have also been advised to keep a copy of their employment contract and set aside a portion of their monthly income as an emergency fund. They should also complete all necessary exit clearance procedures before leaving Saudi Arabia.
Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia have been advised to wear modest and appropriate clothing in public places and to respect the country’s holy sites and Islamic traditions.
In addition, Pakistani citizens have been advised to save the emergency contact number of the Pakistani Embassy or Consulate in Saudi Arabia so they can seek assistance when needed.
In a separate development, Important details have emerged regarding end of service benefits for Pakistani employees working in Saudi Arabia. According to the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE), employees in Saudi Arabia are entitled to different financial benefits upon completion of their employment, depending on their length of service.
According to the BEOE, employees are entitled to benefits equivalent to half a month’s salary for each completed year during the first five years of employment. After that, they are entitled to benefits equivalent to one month’s salary for each completed year of service.
According to the report, employees who have completed between two and five years of service are entitled to benefits equivalent to one-third of a month’s salary for each year, while those who have completed between five and ten years of service are entitled to benefits equivalent to two-thirds of a month’s salary for each year.
The Bureau of Emigration has clarified that if an employee is dismissed due to an unlawful action or violation of the law by the employer or sponsor, the worker will be entitled to the full end-of-service benefits payable under the relevant laws.
According to the BEOE, Saudi Arabia has clearly defined laws governing the rights and employment of foreign workers. In certain circumstances, if an employer fails to pay wages on time or assigns work contrary to the employment contract, the employee is entitled to legal protection and may terminate the employment under specific conditions.
The report states that an employment contract may end upon completion of its agreed term. Employment may also be terminated if the business permanently ceases operations.