Riyadh Ahmed Al-Rajhi, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, approved a list of various labor law violations and fines in Saudi Arabia. The provisions of the list published in the official gazette Umm al-Quraysh will come into effect from the 24th.
The fines for violations are calculated by classifying the workplaces into three categories according to the number of employees. Companies with up to 10 employees will fall into category C, companies with 11 to 50 employees in category B and companies with more than 51 employees in category A.
Category A companies will be fined 10,000 riyals in case of workplace accidents. Those in category B will be fined 5,000 riyals and those in category C 2,500 riyals.
Safety instructions in English and Arabic should be displayed in the workplace. Failure to do so will result in a fine of Rs 5,000, Rs 2,000 and Rs 1,000 respectively.
Health insurance is mandatory for the worker and the worker’s family. Failure to do so will result in a fine of 10,000 riyals for category A, 5,000 riyals for category B and 3,000 riyals for category C. Working with minors and children under the age of 15 carries a fine of 20,000, 10,000 and 5,000 riyals.
If a woman works for six weeks without maternity leave, she will be fined 10,000 riyals. Failure to provide seating facilities according to the number of workers and for not providing separate prayer rooms, restrooms and toilets for men and women will result in fines.
If more than 50 women are employed and there are more than ten children under the age of six, either a nursery or a child care center should be established in the institution.
Strict action will also be taken against visa dealers. A fine of 20,000 riyals per visa will be levied for selling and intermediaries for work visas.
Failure to take a week off or working overtime contrary to the contract will result in a fine.
According to the Gazette, the employer or the worker’s agent is liable for any violation or danger to the worker’s safety or health.
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