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Fostering cooperative development in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Bahrain takes leap forward in enhancing end-of-service rights for migrant workers

A new provident fund for end-of-service indemnity for migrant workers is established in the Social Insurance Organization as part of GCC-wide reforms to reform social protection systems in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Official visit

ILO Director-General: Saudi labour market reforms pivotal for advancing social justice and development in the Kingdom

Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo, accompanied by Regional Director for Arab States Ruba Jaradat and the Director-General’s Senior Advisor for Africa and Arab States Chad Blackman, met with government, employer and worker representatives and attended the Global Labour Market Conference in Riyadh.

Saudi Arabia: Regulatory framework governing migrant workers

The country briefs map the key legal provisions dealing with migrant workers in eight Arab countries, summarizing the legal rules about who pays for recruitment, whether passport confiscation is prohibited by law, minimum working conditions including wages, working hours and rest periods, how to lodge grievances, and brief details of each country’s sponsorship regime.

ILO Launches Flagship Study on Extending Social Protection to Migrant Workers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries

Social protection coverage for national and migrant workers in the formal private sector in the GCC countries.

The infographic charts the systems of social protection available for workers in the private sector in each country of the GCC.

ILO and IsDB share progress on joint work on socioeconomic and policy impacts of Just Transition in MENA region

Strengthening Data of Ethiopian Migrant Workers in Saudi Arabia

Enhancing the operational capacity of Ethiopian Diplomatic Missions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

A returnee raised her income and improved her skills

Migrant workers who lack proper information usually end up extending their stay, despite their visas having expired, putting them in danger of being classified as irregular/undocumented migrants. Migrants are even more vulnerable in such situations and face numerous challenges, including labour rights violations, abuses, and exploitation.

Reforming end-of-service indemnity for migrant workers in Member States of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC)

Policy options for the progressive realization of international social security standards

Review of National Social Protection Legislation and Legal Frameworks for Migrant Workers in the Gulf Countries

Extending social protection to migrant workers in the Gulf Countries

Saudi Arabia - Country baselines under the ILO Declaration (2022)

Freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining

Development cooperation between ILO and Saudi Arabia enters new phase

A letter of intent was signed on the side-lines of the International Labour Conference to launch Phase II of a joint ILO-Saudi development cooperation programme, under which the ILO will provide support in analysis, policy and capacity development.

Social protection coverage for national and migrant workers in the Arab World

The factsheet highlights important points such as the coverage for old age, disability, and survivors, employment injury, sickness, medical care, maternity, unemployment, and family benefits.

ILO Regional Director for Arab States completes official visit to Saudi Arabia

Regional Director Ruba Jaradat met with government, employer and worker representatives and attended the annual Islamic Development Bank meetings.

Saudi Arabia: Regulatory framework governing migrant workers

The country briefs map the key legal provisions dealing with migrant workers in eight Arab countries, summarizing the legal rules about who pays for recruitment, whether passport confiscation is prohibited by law, minimum working conditions including wages, working hours and rest periods, how to lodge grievances, and brief details of each country’s sponsorship regime.

ILO and Saudi Arabia launch a new phase of technical cooperation

The renewed cooperation aims at advancing employment and labour market policies and outcomes, strengthening social dialogue, and ensuring the application of fundamental principles and rights at work, as well as improving skills governance for better employability of young Saudis and occupational safety and health at work.

The Arab States and Asia Pacific Employers Leaders Network held for first time in Saudi Arabia

Digital transformation, income diversification, evolving consumer needs, social dialogue, international trade cooperation, change management and internal management were among the core issues discussed by employer representatives at the meeting in Riyadh.

ILO leads MENA leadership programme to promote a just transition to a green future of work

Worker, employer and government representatives from the region met online to gain a better understanding gained a better understanding of how to shape policies to implement climate change commitments.

Social Protection

ONE PAGER - Administrative barriers, capacity constraints and solutions for the inclusion of agricultural workers in social insurance schemes in the Middle East and North Africa