Saudi Arabia is home to over 10 million foreign workers who contribute to nearly every sector — from construction and healthcare to domestic services and retail. With such a large workforce, it is important to understand: Who really takes labour care in Saudi Arabia?
This guide outlines the key government organizations, laws, and protections available to safeguard workers’ rights and ensure their well-being in the Kingdom.
Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD)
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) is the primary authority responsible for managing labor affairs in Saudi Arabia. It plays a central role in:
- Protecting labor rights and welfare.
- Ensuring employers follow labor laws.
- Providing electronic systems like Qiwa and Musaned to simplify employment procedures.
The MHRSD also runs regular inspection campaigns to monitor companies, prevent labor abuse, and guarantee fair treatment for all workers.
Saudi Labor Care Law: Every Worker’s Backbone
The Saudi Labor Law outlines the legal rights and responsibilities of both employers and employees. Some important protections for laborers include:
- Employment Contract: Required a clear and fair written contract.
- Working Hours: Not more than 8 hours a day or 48 hours a week.
- Rest Time: One rest day per week (usually Friday).
- Paid Leaves: 21–30 days annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays.
- End-of-Service Benefits: Compensation based on the total years of service.
The law applies to both Saudi nationals and expatriates, including domestic and industrial workers.
Qiwa Platform: Digital Labour Care Protection
Qiwa is a digital platform created by MHRSD to bring transparency to the labor care market. Through Qiwa:
- Employees can view and approve their job contracts online.
- Laborers can request job transfers after completing their contract or with proper notice.
- Violations by employers can be reported and tracked.
- Work status and employer obligations are visible and traceable.
This helps ensure fair practices between employers and workers and protects laborers from contract manipulation.
Musaned: Domestic Workers’ Rights
Domestic workers, such as housemaids, drivers, and gardeners, often face difficult work conditions. To address this, the Musaned system was launched. Labour care offers:
- Recruitment through authorized agencies only.
- Digital contracts for domestic workers.
- Multilingual awareness materials for workers and employers.
- A dispute resolution center for resolving conflicts.
It’s a major step in protecting vulnerable labor groups in households.
Complaint & Dispute Resolution: How to Seek Help
If a worker experiences abuse, delayed salary, or mistreatment, they can file a complaint:
- Call the Ministry’s Hotline: 19911 (Available in multiple languages).
- Visit the MHRSD Website: Submit a complaint online.
- Labour Courts: The Ministry of Justice offers a formal legal route if needed.
- Embassies and Labor Offices: Workers can also contact their home country’s embassy in Saudi Arabia.
Complaints are treated seriously and workers are protected during the investigation process.
Health & Safety Regulations for Labour Care
The Saudi government enforces strict health and safety standards for workplaces:
- Employers must provide safety equipment and training.
- Outdoor work is banned during the hottest hours of summer (midday to 3:00 PM, June–September).
- Workers injured on the job are entitled to compensation and medical treatment.
Inspections and surprise visits are conducted to ensure compliance and reduce workplace accidents.
Organizations Supporting Labour Care & Rights
Several government and non-government groups support laborers:
- Human Rights Commission (HRC): Works to protect the dignity and rights of all workers.
- National Committee for Workers Committees: Encourages worker representation in large companies.
- Embassies and Consulates: Assist in disputes, document recovery, or repatriation cases.
Some large companies even offer employee welfare departments, providing legal labour care assistance and counseling.
Major Reforms: A Better Future for Labourers
Saudi Arabia has made huge changes to improve labor welfare under Vision 2030, including:
- Ending the Kafala System for most workers.
- Allowing job mobility without employer consent.
- Introduction of the Wage Protection System (WPS) to ensure salaries are paid on time.
- Enforcement of digital contracts through Qiwa and Musaned.
- Improved housing standards for labor camps and accommodations.
These changes are designed to create a fair, transparent, and safe labor market.
Final Words: Who Cares for Labourers in Saudi Arabia?
Multiple government agencies, digital platforms, legal systems, and even international embassies care for laborers. While challenges remain, Saudi Arabia continues to improve its labor laws, making the Kingdom a safer and more respectful place for workers from around the world.
