Latest news with #HumanResourcesandSocialDevelopment
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.
Economy ME
05-05-2025
- Health
- Economy ME
GOSH7: Saudi Arabia announces 6 initiatives to develop occupational safety and health system
His Excellency Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) and Chairman of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH), recently inaugurated the seventh edition of the Global Occupational Safety & Health Conference (GOSH7) in Riyadh. Running from May 4-6, GOSH7 aims to position Riyadh as a hub for accelerating international compliance and digital transformation in occupational health and safety practices. Under the theme 'The Future of Occupational Safety & Health', it supports workplace wellbeing and safer, healthier working conditions in all industries as a critical driver of social and economic progress, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030. 6 landmark initiatives announced On the first day of GOSH7, Al-Rajhi announced 6 landmark initiatives aimed at developing and enhancing the occupational safety and health system in Saudi Arabia and the region. The initiatives include launching the: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Occupational Safety and Health Standards Guide in collaboration with the General Organization for Social Insurance. National Council for Occupational Safety and Health Award. Glossary and Narrative in Occupational Safety and Health. GCC Strategic Framework for Occupational Safety and Health. National Incentive Program for Compliance and Excellence. In his keynote address, Al-Rajhi reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to protecting people and ensuring safe work environments according to the highest standards, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the job market and improving quality of life. He also explained that the rapid economic and technological transformations require strengthening preventive cultures and continuously updating safety systems and procedures. He also stressed that the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health is one of the key enablers for developing an integrated system based on international standards and best practices. Shaping a safer and healthier workforce Gathering distinguished leaders, decision-makers and experts from the public and private sectors, as well as international academic institutions, the conference expects to welcome more than 8,000 in-person attendees this year, in addition to around 100,000 projected to participate virtually. This includes participants from six continents and more than 46 countries, with 190 local and international speakers leading discussions. The conference emphasizes holistic wellbeing, addressing both physical and psychological safety aspects to redefine practices for balanced and healthy work environments. By fostering productive dialogue about the latest trends and innovations, sharing best practices and exchanging valuable knowledge, GOSH7 aspires to shape a safer and healthier future for all members of the workforce. Read: UAE and Croatia explore opportunities in new economy, tourism and advanced technology Youth-driven hackathon to promote developing tech solutions In line with Vision 2030, GOSH7 features a youth-driven hackathon that seeks to inspire innovation by developing technological solutions for the most pressing challenges in occupational health and safety. The winners will be announced on the closing day of the event, ensuring their contributions are celebrated. The conference program also features 20 panel discussions, 60 workshops and 40 keynote papers. Attendees can also engage in over 100 parallel sessions, enriching their experience with diverse insights and collaborative opportunities. GOSH7's commitment to a comprehensive occupational health and safety framework corresponds with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 related to quality of life and sustainability, while promising to leave a legacy on the safety standards of global workplaces.
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.
Arab News
22-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Social Development Bank, RDF empower productive families
Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Social Development Bank Ahmed bin Sulaiman Al-Rajhi, sponsored a ceremony organized by the Sulaiman Al-Rajhi Foundation for Development Finance under the theme '3 Billion and Continuing.' The event reinforced the strategic partnership between the foundation and SDB, which has been ongoing since 2014 and has resulted in over SR3 billion ($800 million) in financing, benefiting more than 200,000 productive families across various regions of the Kingdom. The ceremony witnessed the signing of several notable agreements, including the extension of the partnership with RDF to continue supporting and financing productive families in collaboration with the 'Jana Fund.' The financing portfolio, valued at SR500 million, will remain in place alongside the provision of non-financial services and training initiatives through the Dulani Business Center. These efforts aim to grow the businesses of productive families and facilitate their access to markets. Chief Executive of SDB Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al-Hamidi expressed his gratitude for Al-Rajhi's patronage of the ceremony. He said: 'Development financing for the nonprofit sector is a core pillar in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of organizations operating in this space and in serving their beneficiaries. Accordingly, SDB collaborates with its strategic partners to develop and innovate a variety of financial products that meet the needs of the target groups and support the sustainability of institutions within this vital sector.' He added: 'Our partnership with RDF represents a leading national model of integration between the developmental and nonprofit sectors. It is a partnership that has gone beyond numbers to touch lives and create a real impact in empowering productive families. We will continue this blessed journey through new agreements aimed at broadening the scope of impact and enabling more Saudi men and women to achieve financial independence and engage in productive work.' SDB plays a central role in empowering productive segments of society and advancing sustainable community development through an effective partnership model with nonprofit organizations, which serve as financial intermediaries contributing to a tangible and wide-reaching impact in supporting productive families and strengthening their contribution to the national economy.
