The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has launched a consultation aimed at improving employees’ rights in maritime and agricultural roles.
The proposed amendments to the KSA Labour Law, launched by the Kingdom’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHSRD), include new penalties targeting those providing workforce services in high-risk sectors.
The proposed amendments will be incorporated into the Labour Law and its executive regulations following a review of public feedback and suggestions. They include penalties for providing labour services without registering worker information in the MHRSD systems or approved platforms, and failing to inform and educate recruited workers about their contractual rights and obligations as stipulated in the employment agreement.
For employers in the maritime sector, the new proposals would mean restrictions on hiring those under 18 years old on Saudi ships or naval units; and penalties for ignoring contractual obligations in maritime labour agreements, delayed wages, failing to provide adequate accommodation for crew off ship when necessary, and interfering with a captain’s decision-making ability regarding safety matters.
For agricultural employers, the restrictions block them employing workers below 21 years old; denying employees daily or weekly rest periods or vacations; not offering food, housing or payment; facilitating forced labour; and preventing workers from contacting families, agencies or their embassy.
Fines have...
False information has been circulating online claiming the retirement age will be increasing and it’s even been picked up by Google’s AI Overview and Discover service. There has been a spate of fa...