Saudi Arabia to Ease Restrictions on Foreign Workers
Image Credits: Saudi Expatriate
Riyadh, Nov 4 (AFP/APP): Saudi Arabia said Wednesday it will ease key restrictions on millions of foreign workers, as part of plans to reform its long-criticised labour policy.
Human rights groups have repeatedly called on the kingdom to abolish its “kafala” sponsorship system, described by critics as a modern form of slavery that binds workers to their Saudi employers. The ministry of human resources and social development said that from March 14, expatriates will no longer need their employers’ permission to change jobs, travel or leave Saudi Arabia — home to some 10 million foreigners.
“This initiative will improve and increase the efficiency of the work environment”, the ministry said in a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency. “The exit and re-entry visa reforms allow expatriate workers to travel… without the employer’s approval after submitting a request, (and) the employer will be notified electronically of their departure,” it said.
Sattam Alharbi, a deputy minister at the ministry, said the reforms will abolish “runaway” reports against foreign workers who do not report for duty, which effectively renders them criminals at risk of being jailed and deported.
“These changes are not small changes — it’s huge”, Alharbi told Bloomberg News in an interview on Wednesday. “We aim to achieve more inclusion for Saudis, attract talent, improve the working conditions, make Saudi Arabia’s labour market more dynamic and productive.”
However, he said the new regulations will not apply to the country’s 3.7 million domestic workers.
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