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- MHRSD Proposed new amendments to Labor Laws Violations and Penalties
Posted by : Aahil Shaik
Thursday, September 11, 2025
MHRSD Proposed new amendments to Labor Laws Violations and Penalties
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has suggested changes to the Table of Violations and Penalties in the Labor Law and its Executive Regulations. These changes add new categories of penalties, including rules for the maritime and agricultural sectors. The proposals will become official after reviewing feedback from the public.
The updated table, published on the Istitlaa platform, includes:
➤ New classifications of violations and related penalties. See Also: Overtime calculation in Saudi Arabia as per labor law
➤ Stricter penalties for some violations already in the law.
The revisions primarily aim to clarify and specify infractions for the benefit of both companies and inspectors. As a result, there will be less room for subjective interpretation of the regulations and more uniform implementation for all businesses. Along with helping to promote openness, the adjustments are a response to emerging work patterns, such as flexible employment. Encouraging businesses to adhere to the law with clear consequences safeguards the rights of both employees and employers.
Key updates in the amendments:
1. Maternity Leave
■ Not giving a female employee her legal maternity leave is a violation.
■ Fine: SR1,000. Related: Maternity leave for women employees extended in Saudi Labor Law
2. Recruitment and Labor Services
■ Stricter penalties for violations.
■ Penalties may include financial fines, warnings, and suspension of licenses (up to 6 months or up to 12 months).
■ In some cases, the license can be revoked.
■ Violations include:
• Offering labor services without registering information in the ministry’s system.
• Failing to inform workers about their rights and duties as outlined in their contracts.
3. Maritime Work Violations
■ Fines range from SR300 to SR1,000.
■ Violations include:
πEmployer isr not following maritime labor contract rules.
π Employing anyone under the age of 18 on Saudi ships or naval units.
π Not respecting working hours and rest periods for seafarers.
π Not paying seafarers’ wages at the agreed time and place.
π Ignoring working conditions required in the maritime labor contract.
π Stopping the ship captain from making safety-related decisions.
π Not providing housing for seafarers when they cannot stay onboard for reasons beyond their control. Read: Paid leave in Saudi Arabia
4. Agricultural Work Violations
■ Fines range from SR300 to SR20,000.
■ Violations include:
π Employing workers under 21 years old.
π Not giving workers their daily and weekly rest.
π Not giving workers the vacations required by law.
π Not providing suitable housing at or near the workplace.
π Not providing food or financial compensation.
π Forcing workers into labor.
π Stopping workers from contacting family, their embassy, or the recruitment office/company. Like and Follow Saudi Expatriates on Facebook
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MHRSD Proposed new amendments to Labor Laws Violations and Penalties |