Kathmandu. The government of Saudi Arabia has taken important steps to protect the rights of workers in the household, agriculture and livestock. This will ensure that they get adequate wages, rest and good working conditions.
The new rules provide broader protections for workers. It aims to bring clarity and fairness to their employment. This change in rules is clearly a relief for foreign workers.
The new rules were approved by Saudi Human Resources and Social Development Minister Ahmed al-Rajhi. These regulations protect workers working in private homes, farms and livestock. The new rules provide workers with a minimum of 30 days of paid annual leave each year. If a worker’s contract expires before the expiry of the term, they will receive their compensation.
How many hours of work?
Rules have also been established regarding working hours. Now the workers will work for a maximum of 8 hours per day. Workers who work continuously for 5 hours will get a mandatory half-hour break for rest and food. A 24-hour weekly rest period is mandatory. Under the new overtime rules, workers will be paid 50 per cent of their basic salary for extra work.
Employers will not be able to employ workers under the age of 21. They can’t force workers to work outside of their contract or profession. They can’t force the worker to work for someone else or for their own personal purposes. A 90-day probation period is allowed. At which point either party can terminate the contract without compensation.
Strict on Companies
The new rule defines the responsibilities of employer companies. If the accommodation is away from work, the company will arrange for food or other allowances and transportation. Employers will not be able to charge any fees for visas, residence permits or related procedures. They cannot carry workers’ passports or personal belongings.
If a worker dies, the employer must bear the cost of the funeral or return of the body. Workers are also expected to do their jobs on time and protect confidential information. The new rules will ensure a professional and safe working relationship.
