Saudi Arabia has implemented significant changes to its labour regulations affecting foreign nationals seeking employment within the Kingdom. The new policies, announced by the Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment in Islamabad, introduce stricter rules on leave and absenteeism that apply to all expatriate workers.
Under the updated labour law, individuals must be at least 21 years old to work in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, job applicants are required to adhere strictly to the conditions outlined in their employment contracts. The revised framework specifies that employees who do not return promptly after their annual leave will be considered absent.
Furthermore, workers who remain absent without prior approval for 30 consecutive days or accumulate 60 days of intermittent absence risk termination of their contracts. These measures aim to reinforce discipline in the workplace and ensure more rigorous enforcement of labour laws among foreign employees.
Pakistani nationals have been advised to complete all necessary legal procedures before traveling and to familiarize themselves thoroughly with the new regulations to prevent any issues. This policy update comes amid intensified enforcement actions against violations of residency and labour laws in Saudi Arabia.
In a significant development, the Saudi General Directorate of Passports reportedly issued over 15,000 rulings within a single month through administrative committees addressing breaches related to residency, labour, and border security. These actions targeted both Saudi citizens and foreign residents, with penalties ranging from fines and imprisonment to deportation.
