Saudi ministries, foreign missions discuss labor reforms

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held two workshops with diplomatic missions and international organizations in the Kingdom to brief them on the recently launched Labor Reform Initiative (LRI).

The workshops were chaired by Vice Minister of Human Resources and Social Development for Labor Dr. Abdullah Abu Thunain.

During the seminars, the ministry’s strategy was presented in the context of Saudi Vision 2030, and the main LRI services were outlined including job mobility and the new regulations of exit and re-entry visa issuance.

The LRI will contribute to achieving the ministry’s vision of establishing an attractive job market, empowering and developing labor competencies, and improving the work environment in the Kingdom.

The LRI, which will come into effect in March, applies to all expatriate workers in the private sector, and aims to enhance the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Saudi labor market, raise the rates of nationalization, and improve the Kingdom’s classification in international competitiveness indicators.