Saudi Arabia has introduced new labour laws, including an age limit, to improve discipline and make sure that the workers follow the law, according to the reports on Wednesday.
Saudi Arabia’s new foreign workers’ labour laws
The new laws were introduced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development of Saudi Arabia. These rules focus more on job contracts, attendance, and leave management.
According to the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment, the updated rules apply to all foreign workers in the Kingdom and clearly explain job conditions and workplace behaviour.
Under the new policy, only people aged 21 or above can work in Saudi Arabia. Workers have to strictly follow their job contracts, as there is very little room for breaking the rules.
There are also stricter rules about leave. If a worker does not return on time after taking annual leave, they will be marked absent. This could also lead to a legal action.
The rules also set strict penalties for being absent. If a worker is absent without permission for 30 continuous days, or for a total of 60 days at different times, they may lose their job.
Officials say these steps are meant to improve discipline and ensure labour laws are properly followed across the country.
Pakistani authorities have advised people planning to work in Saudi Arabia to complete all legal documents and fully understand the new rules to avoid problems.
This comes as the General Directorate of Passports has recently taken strong action. It issued over 15,000 penalties in one month for violations related to residency, labour, and border laws.
Saudi Arabia bans entry to Makkah
Previously, Saudi Arabia announced that expatriates and residents without official permits would be barred from entering Makkah from April 13.
The ban was announced as part of new regulations introduced for the upcoming Hajj season.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, Public Security confirmed that the permit requirement has come into effect, and only individuals with valid authorisation will be allowed entry into the holy city.
