Saudi Arabia’s new regulations provide agricultural workers paid leave, housing, transportation, weekly rest, and strict work limits/Image: X
Saudi Arabia has taken a major step to safeguard the rights of agricultural and herding workers, ensuring fair pay, rest, and working conditions. New regulations approved by Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Eng. Ahmed Al-Rajhi extend detailed protections to employees working in private homes, farms, and with livestock, aiming to provide clarity and fairness in their employment. The regulations guarantee workers a minimum of 30 days of paid annual leave each year, with monetary compensation if the contract ends before leave is taken. Paid holidays include four days for Eid al-Fitr starting from the 29th of Ramadan, as well as the National Day and Founding Day. Daily work is limited to eight hours, with mandatory breaks of at least half an hour for rest and meals if working more than five consecutive hours. Weekly rest days of at least 24 hours are required, with an alternative day provided if work falls on the usual rest day.Overtime is compensated at 50 percent of the basic wage, though work on official holidays does not count as overtime. Employers cannot hire workers under 21, assign tasks outside the employment contract or profession, or require them to work for others or on personal ventures. A probationary period of up to 90 days is allowed, during which either party may terminate the contract without compensation, but it cannot be repeated with the same employer.The regulations also set clear responsibilities for employers. They must provide suitable accommodation, food or an allowance, and transportation if the residence is far from work. Employers cannot charge for visas, residency permits, or related procedures, nor hold passports or personal belongings. In the event of a worker’s death, employers must cover burial or repatriation costs. Workers must be allowed to communicate with family and are not required to pay recruitment fees.Employees are expected to follow work schedules, execute tasks diligently, maintain punctuality, protect confidential information, and refrain from other employment during or after the contract, ensuring a professional and secure working relationship.
