Saudi Arabia tightens labor laws for foreign workers: Details inside

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has introduced stricter labor regulations for foreign workers, marking a major policy change to improve workplace discipline and legal compliance.

According to the Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment in Islamabad, the updated rules will apply to all expatriates seeking employment in the kingdom under the revised framework of Saudi labor law.

Under the new policy, those traveling for work must be at least 21 years old and must strictly adhere to their employment contracts. Authorities have also introduced stricter rules on leave and absenteeism.

Workers who fail to return on time after annual leave will be marked absent, while those who are absent from work for 30 consecutive days without prior notice, or accumulate 60 days of intermittent absence, could face the cancellation of their contracts.

Officials said the move is aimed at enforcing discipline and ensuring compliance with labor laws in the workplace.

Pakistani workers have been advised to complete all legal documents before departure and fully understand the new regulations to avoid fines.

The development comes after a broader crackdown by Saudi authorities, with the Saudi General Directorate of Passports reportedly issuing more than 15,000 decisions in a month against violations of residence, labor and border laws.

Penalties for violations include fines, imprisonment and deportation, highlighting the Kingdom’s strict enforcement procedures.