Human Resources Ministry Enhances Worker Rights and Labor Standards

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia seeks to protect human rights for citizens and residents. In this context, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development continues to strengthen the Kingdom’s role through local and international partnerships, adopting the best global practices to safeguard human rights and protect workers’ rights in the labor market. The ministry has launched numerous initiatives and taken decisions that ensure justice and transparency while safeguarding the rights of all parties to labor contracts.

 At the beginning of 2025, the Cabinet approved the National Policy for the Elimination of Forced Labor, the first of its kind in the Gulf and the Arab region. The policy aims to provide a safe environment for all workers and create a secure and attractive labor market that protects all rights, in accordance with strict regulations to eliminate all forms and manifestations of forced labor. It offers protections for workers and includes several key guiding principles, most notably enhancing decent working conditions for all, coordinating and cooperating among relevant authorities to eradicate forced labor, and a victim-centered approach as the foundation for developing and providing support and assistance services. It also emphasizes non-discrimination, the promotion of equality, respect for human rights, and combating discrimination.

 The National Policy to Encourage Equal Opportunities and Equal Treatment in Employment and Occupation in the Kingdom also protects human rights and works to eliminate any discrimination in this area in accordance with Islamic law, while aligning with the international treaties and conventions to which the Kingdom is a party.

 The ministry, represented by the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, has worked to safeguard workers' safety and health by banning work under direct sunlight. This year, compliance among establishments reached 94%, with inspection teams conducting 29,121 field visits and multiple monitoring campaigns to ensure the decision's implementation and enforce legal penalties on non-compliant establishments.

 In the social care sector, regulations related to the rights of persons with disabilities and the rights and care of the elderly are centered on protecting these groups and others. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development seeks to guarantee and enhance their rights and ensure they receive all services equally, in a manner that promotes their well-being and a dignified quality of life.