Saudi Arabia Strengthens Expatriate Worker Protections with Comprehensive Reforms
Riyadh, March 2, 2025 – Saudi Arabia has introduced a series of major labor reforms aimed at enhancing expatriate worker rights, promoting fair treatment, and ensuring a sustainable labor market in alignment with Vision 2030. The Kingdom has replaced the Kafala sponsorship system with a contract-based model, digitized wage monitoring, and strengthened legal protections to improve worker mobility, financial security, and workplace conditions.
End of the Kafala System: Contractual Freedom and Worker Mobility
In a landmark change, the Kingdom has abolished the traditional Kafala system, replacing it with the contractual relationship improvement initiative led by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. This reform enhances worker autonomy by:
Allowing workers to switch jobs without requiring employer approval once their contract ends.
Granting workers the right to exit and return to Saudi Arabia independently by notifying their employer electronically.
Strengthening expatriate rights while improving Saudi Arabia’s appeal as a global labor market.
The initiative has already benefited over one million workers, providing greater freedom and job security while attracting international talent to the Kingdom.
Wage Protection Program: Ensuring Fair Pay and Transparency
To protect expatriate wages, Saudi Arabia has implemented the Wage Protection Program (WPP), an electronic system that monitors wage disbursements in private-sector establishments. This initiative ensures:
On-time salary payments for both Saudi and expatriate workers.
A minimum wage guarantee and end-of-service compensation.
A database tracking wage payments to reduce disputes and increase financial transparency.
The program has successfully protected over 8.5 million employees, helping to reduce wage theft, labor disputes, and reliance on cash transactions. It has also encouraged foreign investment, strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a secure work environment for expatriates.
Musaned Platform: Safeguarding Domestic Workers
Saudi Arabia has introduced comprehensive protections for domestic workers through the Musaned Platform, ensuring that employment contracts are fair, transparent, and enforceable. Key measures include:
Insurance coverage for over 500,000 domestic workers, guaranteeing salary payments in cases of employer death or financial default.
Legal redress mechanisms to prevent exploitation and resolve disputes efficiently.
Cultural and linguistic support programs to facilitate fair treatment in households.
Through these efforts, the Kingdom continues to uphold the rights of domestic workers and promote ethical labor practices.
Enhanced Worker Rights and Workplace Conditions
Saudi Arabia has enacted stringent labor laws to protect workers, regulate working hours, and improve safety standards:
Working hours: Employees are entitled to eight-hour workdays or 48-hour workweeks, with adjustments for hazardous jobs.
Rest periods: Workers must receive breaks for meals, rest, and prayers, with no more than five consecutive hours of labor.
Leave benefits: Employees receive a minimum of 21 days of paid leave annually, increasing to 30 days after five years of service.
Sick leave: Workers are entitled to 30 days of fully paid sick leave, followed by 60 days at three-quarters pay.
Saudi Arabia has also prohibited outdoor work under direct sunlight between June 15 and September 15 to protect workers from extreme heat and health risks. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development regularly inspects workplaces and imposes penalties on violators to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Regulatory Reforms and International Cooperation
To further enhance labor market efficiency, Saudi Arabia has launched the Professional Accreditation Program, which verifies expatriate qualifications, skills, and experience before arrival. The Kingdom has also ratified key International Labor Organization (ILO) agreements, including Occupational Safety and Health Convention No. 187, demonstrating its commitment to global labor standards.
Saudi Arabia actively hosts international labor conferences, collaborating with the ILO and other global partners to address employment challenges, fair wages, and workplace equality.
A Fair and Competitive Labor Market
The Kingdom’s reforms reflect a strategic shift toward a modern, competitive labor market that prioritizes worker rights, economic sustainability, and international best practices. By eliminating exploitative practices, ensuring timely wage payments, and improving working conditions, Saudi Arabia is strengthening its position as a premier global destination for skilled professionals.
These initiatives support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, ensuring that expatriate workers benefit from fair treatment, financial security, and a thriving professional environment.
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