7 royal orders that improve the lives of expatriates in Saudi Arabia and protect their rights – Al-Nasr Newspaper
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a meeting place for many expatriate workers from all over the world, and it is keen to provide a suitable environment and protect the rights of its residents. From here, the Kingdom issued a number of royal orders aimed at improving the conditions of expatriates and providing them with protection. In this article, we will learn about the most prominent 7 royal orders issued under the directives of King Salman, which focus on regulating the conditions of foreign workers and protecting their rights.
Preventing the employer from keeping documents
This royal order prohibits employers in Saudi Arabia from keeping residence documents for foreign workers, and thus, the rights of residents are protected and secured by preventing their exploitation or abuse by employers. This decision guarantees the rights of residents and protects them from any possible violations.
The kingdom bears the costs
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia bears the costs of foreign workers due, with the condition that workers continue to work until October 2022, and for industrial establishments licensed for a period of at least five years, the Kingdom will bear the costs for them until 2024, this decision aims to reduce the financial burden on foreign workers and provide them with a stable work environment.
Reducing the grace period for fine payments
The Ministry of Health has taken a decision to reduce the grace period for payments of age-related violations. These fines will be compulsorily collected. This decision aims to enhance residents’ compliance with laws and regulations and motivate them to comply with the stipulated controls.
The opportunity to switch jobs and reduce the financial burden
The Saudi Ministry of Labor enables expatriates to switch jobs easily and conveniently, and it has also been announced that escort fees will be stopped at the limit of 800 Saudi riyals only. This decision comes within the framework of the ministry’s efforts to reduce the financial burden on expatriate workers and provide them with more financial sustainability.
Back to jobs
The Saudi government announced that many foreign workers have returned to work in 20 jobs within the country. This decision reflects the Kingdom’s willingness to receive qualified foreign workers and provide them with job opportunities.
Categories exempted from escort fees
The Saudi government has identified categories that are exempt from escort fees, and they include wives of residents and Saudi children who have non-Saudi parents, domestic workers, and immigrants from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. In addition, tax exemption was granted to companies with less than 5 employees, in order to encourage the recruitment of More foreign workers and an improvement in the investment environment.
The financial compensation system for expatriate workers 1444/2023
A system of financial compensation for expatriate workers inside the Kingdom has been announced, and according to this system, an amount ranging between 700 and 800 Saudi riyals will be collected per month from expatriate workers. These fees aim to motivate workers to participate in the economy and provide financial support for the development of infrastructure and public services in the Kingdom.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is moving towards improving and facilitating the conditions of residents and protecting them from any exploitation or greed. A series of royal orders have been issued aiming to enhance the rights of expatriate workers and provide a sustainable and fair work environment, preventing the employer from keeping documents and the Kingdom bearing the costs, reducing the grace period for fine payments, switching jobs and easing the burden Financial compensation, return to jobs, categories exempted from escort fees, and the financial compensation system for expatriate workers are some of the royal orders that reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the rights of residents and improving their status in the country.
Through these decisions, the Saudi government has adopted a comprehensive policy aimed at making the lives of expatriates in Saudi Arabia more comfortable and luxurious, and providing an encouraging and sustainable work environment. It is expected that these reforms will contribute to enhancing economic development and social stability in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
