This next post in our GCC series looks at changes in Saudi law on discrimination, immigration and Saudization.

New Policy To Foster Equal Opportunities and Prevent Discrimination

• In January, the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) announced a new national policy to promote equality of opportunities and treatment in employment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The announcement forms part of the Kingdom’s increased efforts to eliminate discrimination in the labour market.
• The newly approved policy contains a number of designated targets, including upgrading systems and policies that explicitly define and prevent discrimination, initiatives to promote equal treatment in employment and occupation, and the implementation of procedures, programs, and initiatives to enable groups with fewer opportunities to enter and remain in the labour market.
• Based on this recent announcement, it is possible we could see potential changes to the Labour Law in the Kingdom that will encompass broader protections in relation to equality and prevention of discrimination in the workplace.

Temporary Work Visa/Increased Flexibility for the Engagement of Foreign Nationals

• A new short-term work visa for certain foreign nationals is now available to apply for on an online platform called Qiwa. This new visa enables qualified employees to work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a visa-sponsoring entity for up to 90 days per visa in one year. During the course of the one-year...

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