Latest news with #HRSD
Arab Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Saudi Arabia Modernizes Labor Market with New Expat Classification System
RIYADH, July 11: Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) has announced the implementation of a new framework to classify expatriate work permits into three categories: high-skill, skilled, and basic. The initiative, unveiled on the Ministry's official X (formerly Twitter) account, aims to regulate the labor market, enhance workforce development, and foster a more competitive and innovative business environment. It aligns with the strategic objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program. Implementation Timeline and Classification Details The reclassification process for current expatriate workers began on June 18, 2025, with full rollout set for July 6, 2025. New expatriates entering the Kingdom will be subject to the classification system starting August 3, 2025. The classification system is based on a range of factors, including: A detailed guide outlining the new classification process is available on the Ministry's official website.
Argaam
29-06-2025
- Business
- Argaam
Saudi unemployment falls to record low of 6.3% in Q1 2025
Saudi Arabia's unemployment rate among nationals dropped to a record low of 6.3% in the first quarter of 2025, down from 7% at the end of Q4 2024, according to the Labor Force Survey released by the General Authority for Statistics. This marks the lowest level ever recorded, surpassing the Vision 2030 target of bringing unemployment down to 7%. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) is aiming to lower the rate further to a new target of 5%.
Al Arabiya
26-06-2025
- Business
- Al Arabiya
Saudi Arabia highlights women's economic gains at high-level GCC gender dialogue
Saudi Arabia spotlighted its sweeping reforms and rising female workforce participation at a high-level GCC Gender Dialogue hosted in Dubai by the UAE Gender Balance Council and the World Bank. The Kingdom participated in the regional peer exchange last week, joining officials from the UAE and Bahrain in a series of workshops and dialogue sessions aimed at sharing policy best practices to support women's participation in the workforce. Representing Saudi Arabia, Dr. Hanadi Al-Hokair, General Director of Female Enablement at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), participated in the knowledge exchange session, where she presented the Kingdom's achievements and strategies for empowering women economically. During the session, al-Hokair emphasized the rapid progress Saudi Arabia has made, noting a dramatic rise in women's labor force participation – from 17 percent in 2017 to over 36 percent today. 'This event is a timely moment to reflect on how far the Kingdom has come in advancing women's participation in the workplace, and to share real-world lessons and successful strategies on what drives progress with our peers in the Gulf from the UAE and Bahrain,' she said. 'Saudi Arabia has achieved unprecedented milestones in women's economic empowerment… surpassing our Vision 2030 targets.' The event, led by the World Bank, included sessions on global best practices for gender-inclusive labor markets, including childcare policies, legal protections, and efforts to boost women's access in digital and green economy sectors. It also featured insights on the upcoming Women, Business and the Law (WBL) index methodology, a World Bank tool that benchmarks gender-related regulatory progress. Saudi Arabia's Vice Minister for Labor, Dr. Abdullah Abuthnain, echoed the Kingdom's commitment to long-term gender equity, stating: 'Women's economic empowerment is not merely a goal; it is a fundamental pillar for the Kingdom's long-term prosperity. In this spirit, the Ministry, in collaboration with government entities, national programs, and the private sector, has launched a series of structural reforms and initiatives since the launch of Saudi Vision 2030.' 'These reforms and initiatives, from equal pay legislation to transport support and maternity policies, have opened up real pathways for Saudi women to participate, progress, and lead in the workplace. We are proud to share our experience and to learn from our partners across the Gulf and the wider region.' Among Saudi Arabia's reforms and initiatives highlighted were: A rise in women holding mid- and senior-level management roles, now accounting for 44.1 percent, up from 28.6 percent in 2017, supported by leadership training in partnership with INSEAD, a non-profit business school. The Parallel Training initiative, which has helped over 122,000 women find employment through more than 800 programs across 46,000 private sector partners. The Wusool transport program, assisting more than 288,000 women with commuting to work. Legislation promoting equal pay and anti-discrimination in hiring and promotions. Expanded maternity leave to 12 weeks at full pay and increased access to childcare through the Qurrah initiative. Regulatory reforms ensuring equal retirement benefits for women. Support for modern work models such as freelance, remote, and flexible employment. These efforts have collectively contributed to stronger workforce participation, retention, and leadership opportunities for Saudi women – positioning the Kingdom as one of the most dynamic labor markets for women in the region.
Leaders
28-05-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Eid Al-Adha 2025: Saudi Arabia Announces 4-Day Holiday for Private Sector
Saudi Arabia has announced Eid Al-Adha holiday, which will extend for four days for the employees of the private and non-profit sectors, reported the Saudi Gazette. On Wednesday, the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) announced that workers in the private and non-profit sectors will have a 4-day holiday for Eid Al-Adha. The holiday will start on the Day of Arafat, falling on Thursday June 5, 2025 and last until Sunday June 8, 2025. Moreover, the HRSD stressed that employers should take into account the overlapping cases stipulated in Article 24 of the Executive Regulations of the Saudi Labor Law to ensure that the holiday is implemented in line with the applicable rules. On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia confirmed the sighting of Dhu'al-Hijjah crescent moon, announcing Wednesday, May 28, 2025 the first day of the final month of the Islamic calendar. This means that Hajj rituals will begin on June 4, 2025, the eighth day of Dhu'al-Hijjah (Day of Tarwiyah). The Day of Arafat will fall on June 5, while the Day of Eid will be on June 6, 2025. Muslims celebrate Eid Al-Adha by prayers, animal sacrifice and charity work, fostering community togetherness. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is obligatory for all able-bodied Muslims who can afford it, at least once in their lifetime. Hajj is a spiritual experience for Muslims, which involves undertaking a set of rituals performed by Prophet Mohammed PBUH centuries ago. It takes place during the first ten days of Dhu'al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. Short link : Post Views: 1
Argaam
26-05-2025
- Business
- Argaam
HRSD Ministry launches Ajeer for Tourism Seasons service
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, launched the 'Ajeer for Tourism Seasons' service. The new service aims at enabling national workforce participation in seasonal jobs within the tourism sector and increasing their involvement in the labor market. According to a statement from the ministry today, the service is designed to meet the needs of tourism sector establishments—particularly those operating in accommodation, travel, and tourism activities – which are overseen and licensed by the Ministry of Tourism—during peak seasons. It allows these establishments to benefit from seasonal labor services across the Kingdom, in accordance with defined rules and regulations that ensure a smooth and flexible seasonal contracting process. The new service allows businesses to post job vacancies through the 'Ajeer' platform, and enables jobseekers to browse and apply for available opportunities online. It also facilitates the issuance of verified seasonal work permits that enhance the reliability of the contractual relationship between both parties. The ministry affirmed that this service is part of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing labor market flexibility, improving the efficiency and readiness of the national workforce, reducing reliance on non-national labor, and empowering citizens.
