Latest news with #AhmedAl-Rajhi
Saudi Gazette
21-05-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
HR Ministry proposes revised penalties for Labor Law violations
Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, Ahmed Al-Rajhi, violations and penalties, Istithlaa Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has proposed revision of the penalties for violations of Labor Law and its executive regulations. Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi has decided to update the list of violations and penalties, based on the new amendments to the Labor Law and its executive regulations. The Ministry published the table of violations and penalties on the Istithlaa public survey platform, seeking the opinion of the stakeholders and the public before implementing the new proposals. The ministry noted that this update aims to clearly and precisely define violations for both establishments and inspectors, reducing the need for discretion and personal judgment in implementing regulations across different categories of companies and establishments. These updates help address ongoing changes in the work environment, such as flexible work and remote work. The clarification of penalties provides transparency, encouraging establishments to comply with regulations and ensuring the rights of both workers and employers. The table published by the ministry includes a wide range of violations, ranging from serious to minor. The fines imposed vary based on the establishment's classification into one of three categories: establishment with 20 or less than 20 workers; 21 to 49 workers; and 50 or more workers. The violations are also classified as serious and minor. The following are the fines for various serious Labor Law violations: 1- SR200,000—SR250,000 for practicing the activity of recruiting, outsourcing, or providing labor services without a license. 2- SR200,000 for employing Saudis without a license 3- SR10,000 for an employer for hiring a non-Saudi worker without a work permit. The fines will be multiplied on the basis of the number of workers. 4- SR2,000—SR8,000 for employer for hiring non-Saudi workers in professions or activities restricted to Saudis, or registering a Saudi worker without a valid employment relationship. 5- SR10,000—SR20,000 for an employer allowing his employee to work for a third party or for their own account. 6- SR5000 for an employee working for another employer. 7- SR1,500—SR5,000 for the employer if he fails to comply with occupational safety and health regulations. 8- SR1,000 for employing a worker under the sun or in adverse weather conditions without taking precautions. 9- SR1,000—3,000 for the employer's failure to bear the fees and costs required or to pass them on to the workers 10- SR300 for the failure to pay workers' wages and entitlements on time or withholding wages, which may be multiplied by the number of workers. 11- SR1000—SR3000 for any discriminatory action by an employer. 12- SR1000—SR3000 for failure to form a committee to investigate behavioral violations, as well as for failure to investigate and recommend disciplinary action within five days, or failure to impose disciplinary action within 30 days 13- SR1,000 to 2,000 for employing children under the age of 15 14- SR1,000 for keeping worker's passport or residency permit. 15- SR3000—SR5000 for failure to facilitate the tasks of supervisors and employees assigned to supervision 16- SR1,000—3,000 for failure to comply with the regulations for advertising job vacancies and conducting interviews 17- SR1000 for failure to provide maternity leave for working women 18- SR500 for failure to provide services and facilitate arrangements to enable people with disabilities to perform their work. Fines for the non-serious violations include the following: 1- SR1000—SR3000 for failure to grant the worker the approved weekly rest period, or increasing work hours without additional payment, or failing to adhere to daily rest periods 2- SR1000—SR3000 for employer's failure to provide a worker with a service certificate and return their documents after the termination of the employment relationship 3- SR300—SR1000 for failure to provide medical insurance for the workers and their family members. 4- SR300—SR1000 for failure to disclose information about operation and maintenance contracts with government agencies or establishments in which the state holds a minimum 51 percent stake or disclosure of incorrect or incomplete information 5- SR1000 for employing Saudi male workers in activities restricted to Saudi female workers.
Saudi Gazette
19-05-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia launches initiative to license volunteer work
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has launched a volunteer work license initiative aimed at qualifying volunteers and enhancing their skills, which will enable them to perform their duties within an organized and safe framework. This step is part of the fundamental pillars of organizing and empowering volunteer work, particularly in serving pilgrims. The Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, Eng. Ahmed Al-Rajhi, launched the Non-Profit Work Observatory Foundation to serve pilgrims. The Observatory monitors the actual situation of the sector and systematically collects and analyzes data, contributing to the preparation of qualitative studies that address the challenges and obstacles facing non-profit organizations. This came at the opening of the third edition of the International Non-Profit Sector Exhibition 2025 (IENA), which includes a social investment forum and a Gulf forum to strengthen the relationship between the non-profit sector and the public and private sectors. The exhibition is a pioneering platform of its kind, bringing together non-profit organizations, the public and private sectors, and international institutions to support cooperation, exchange expertise, and develop solutions and innovations in this field. It also highlights the importance of the non-profit sector as an effective strategic pillar in achieving sustainable development and social goals, empowering human capabilities, increasing the number of non-profit organizations in various development fields, and raising the sector's contribution to the gross domestic product by 5% by 2030.
Saudi Gazette
04-05-2025
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
Al-Rajhi launches package of qualitative initiatives in occupational safety and health
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Chairman of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health Ahmed Al-Rajhi launched on Sunday several initiatives aimed at enhancing and strengthening Saudi Arabia's occupational safety and health system. The initiatives were launched on the sidelines of the seventh Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference (GOSH) in Riyadh on Sunday. The initiatives include the launch of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the national incentives program for compliance and excellence, and the Gulf strategic framework for occupational safety and health, as well as the introduction of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health Award, which aims to foster a culture of excellence and commitment in the workplace. In his inaugural speech, Al-Rajhi emphasized that the establishment of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health more than three years ago has led to significant progress in the Saudi labor market. The minister stated that international reports confirm the seriousness of the current challenges facing global workplaces, with approximately 3 million worker deaths and 395 million non-fatal work-related injuries reported annually due to occupational accidents and diseases. "Statistics indicate 23 million injuries and 19,000 deaths annually due to heat stress. Studies also show that 15 percent of workers worldwide suffer from psychological disorders associated with stressful work environments," he said. Al-Rajhi noted that the Kingdom's Vision 2030 seeks to enhance work environments to be safer, more qualitative, and more attractive, supporting worker well-being, enhancing labor market competitiveness, and fostering a culture of safety and sustainability. Therefore, the Kingdom established the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, which has had a significant impact on developing protective measures in accordance with the latest international practices. The minister stated that since the establishment of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, it has contributed to reducing work-related fatality rates to less than one per 100,000 workers within three years. "The number of Saudi workers in safety-related occupations exceeded 29,000, an increase of more than 130 percent from the baseline in 2022. The compliance rate with safety standards had increased to 72 percent by the end of 2024, and that the automation rate of workplace protection procedures had reached more than 62 percent by the end of 2024, compared to 30 percent in 2020," he said while highlighting that the Kingdom's commitment to promoting human health and a safe work environment reflects its ambitious vision for a more prosperous and sustainable future. Al-Rajhi said the rapid pace of economic and technological transformation necessitates strengthening the culture of prevention and continuously updating safety systems and procedures. He also reaffirmed the Kingdom's commitment to safeguarding human lives and ensuring safe working environments in line with the highest standards, thereby enhancing the labor market's competitiveness and contributing to an improved quality of life. He noted that this conference will be an advanced step in supporting the Kingdom's local and global efforts to achieve the highest safety standards. Al-Rajhi inaugurated the exhibition held on the sidelines of the conference. He toured several pavilions of government and private sector entities which showcase latest practices and innovations in occupational safety and health.
Saudi Gazette
04-05-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
GOSI launches directory for occupational safety and health standards
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) launched on Sunday a directory for occupational safety and health standards to serve as a unified reference for specialists, establishments, and relevant entities in Saudi Arabia. This is aimed at enhancing safety and health standards while protecting workers from occupational hazards as part of its broader strategy. The directory was launched at the opening of the seventh edition of the Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference 2025 (GOSH). Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi inaugurated the conference in Riyadh on Sunday. According to GOSI, this directory of guidelines has been developed based on leading international practices in occupational safety and health. It aims to assist employers, workers in facilities, and inspectors by providing clear preventive standards to help reduce injuries and occupational hazards in the workplace. The directory includes more than 4,500 standards covering six main sectors: public industries, construction, agriculture, maritime activities, transport, and mining. Additionally, it features a comprehensive classification of more than 70 sectors based on the national directory of economic activities. The directory will establish standards that contribute to increasing productivity and promoting economic sustainability, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to achieve a prosperous economy by creating safe and encouraging work environments. Additionally, it seeks to enhance the Kingdom's position and its leadership role in supporting labor rights and investing in human capital, a fundamental pillar of comprehensive and sustainable development.
Arab News
04-05-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Riyadh conference discusses future of occupational health
RIYADH: The seventh Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference opened in Riyadh on Sunday under the theme 'The Future of Occupational Safety and Health.' The three-day event was inaugurated by Ahmed Al-Rajhi, minister of human resources and social development and chairman of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health. Al-Rajhi launched initiatives to enhance Saudi Arabia's occupational safety and health system, including the establishment of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the National Compliance and Excellence Incentives Program, and the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Guide. Al-Rajhi said that work-related deaths in Saudi Arabia have dropped to less than one per 100,000 workers since the council's establishment. Meanwhile, the number of locals in occupational safety and health roles has risen by 130 percent, reaching more than 29,000 by the end of 2024, compared with 2022. Al-Rajhi also highlighted improvements in safety compliance and automation. 'The compliance rate with safety standards reached 72 percent by the end of 2024, and the automation of safety procedures exceeded 62 percent, up from 30 percent in 2020.' The conference draws high-ranking officials, experts and specialists from Saudi Arabia and worldwide to discuss the future of occupational safety and health, as well as the challenges and opportunities in global labor markets. It covers six key themes: workplace sustainability; digitization and technology in occupational safety; the economics of safety; the future of research and innovation; emerging challenges; and human behavior and safety culture. This focus reflects Saudi Arabia's commitment to improving work environments and achieving professional standards in line with global best practices, a key goal of Saudi Vision 2030. The event highlights national efforts, displays modern technical trends, supports specialized research, and promotes the Kingdom's legislative framework to international standards, contributing to the success of major national projects. Al-Rajhi referred to international reports on workplace challenges. 'International reports highlight the serious challenges facing work environments globally. Approximately 3 million worker deaths are recorded each year due to accidents and occupational diseases.' He said about '395 million non-fatal work injuries occur annually. Statistics show 23 million injuries and 19,000 deaths from heat stress, and 15 percent of workers globally suffer from mental disorders related to stressful work environments.' The conference program includes specialized scientific sessions, 60 workshops, 20 dialogue sessions, and the Global Occupational Safety and Health Hackathon, where 30 innovative projects are being presented. An accompanying exhibition features local and international organizations, with several significant agreements expected and new initiatives to advance the Kingdom's occupational safety system. The ministry also emphasized the Kingdom's commitment to securing a healthy work environment and ensuring worker safety, which enhances labor market competitiveness and overall quality of life. Al-Rajhi said: 'In line with Vision 2030, we aim to make work environments safer, higher quality, and more attractive. This supports employee well-being, boosts labor market competitiveness, and fosters a culture of safety and sustainability. Therefore, the Kingdom established the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health.' The General Organization for Social Insurance launched a directory for occupational safety and health standards at the conference, serving as a unified reference for specialists, establishments, and relevant entities in the Kingdom. This initiative aims to enhance safety and health standards while protecting workers from occupational hazards, as part of its broader strategy. Based on international best practices, the directory provides clear preventive standards to help reduce injuries and hazards. It covers more than 4,500 standards in six main sectors: public industries; construction; agriculture; maritime activities; transport; and mining. It also classifies more than 70 sectors based on the national directory of economic activities.
