Saudi Gazette report DAMMAM — The Ministry of Labor on Tuesday announced plans to make 40 amendments in labor law. The amendments will be related mainly to inspections and penalties against violators, according to a senior official. Abdullah Abu Thunain, deputy minister for inspection and improving work environment, said the new amendments will be effective from Oct. 18 (Muharram 5). He was addressing a workshop organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Eastern Province. The amendments include fines ranging between SR1,000 and SR100,000 and the temporary or permanent closure of the violating firm. In March this year, the Council of Ministers approved major amendments to labor law. The Cabinet granted the ministry powers to take appropriate measures to improve the performance of the employment market and regulate the workforce in line with the labor law rules. The amendments give the ministry authority to prevent renewal of work permit as long as the employer continues violating the criteria set by the ministry for Saudization of jobs. According to the amendments, the work contract shall be deemed ended in the event of the closure of the firm or halting the activity for which the worker is hired. The amendments are related to various employment terms and conditions including training requirements for Saudi nationals, leave entitlements, fixed-term contracts and notice periods. As with other recent changes to the labor market, the amendments are primarily aimed at supporting the “Saudization” of the workforce. The ministry is doing finishing touches to add the amendments to the law. Meanwhile, Abu Thunain said the agency for inspections at the ministry has so far carried out 124,892 visits to various firms and detected more than 34,000 violations, including 4,479 violations with regard to feminization and 1,362 violations regarding working under sun. A total of more than SR31 million has been collected in fine from the violators. He said that the ministry has made major gains in reducing wage-related disputes between workers and employers in the private sector thanks to the implementation of Wage Protection Program. Penal actions will be taken against violators of the law, he said. The Ministry of labor last month issued a new regulation to streamline the investigation process so as to unify the investigation process and stop any illegal practices. It also aims at enhancing transparency and increasing the level of awareness among investigators and improving their skills. An investigator has the right to explain labor regulations to the company and introduce it to the ministry's guide. He also has the right to enter all establishments during working hours after providing official ID. Labor investigators have the right to look into all documents or any work-related files but they can't take copies of them to ensure that they abide by the Ministry of Labor guide regulations. They also can inquire about the wage payment process and ask for samples of used products for testing purposes. The inspectors can also examine the machines used by workers to ensure their safety.
