RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi headed the Kingdom’s delegation to the 112th session of the International Labor Conference, taking place in Geneva from June 3-14.

Al-Rajhi delivered a speech at the plenary session endorsing the International Labor Organization director general’s report, “Towards a Renewed Social Contract.”

He stressed the need to identify and address outstanding challenges and unmet expectations within the current social contract framework, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

Al-Rajhi also highlighted key Saudi initiatives, like tackling climate change risks within the new social contract and leveraging technology to adapt to emerging work environment transformations, strengthening the tripartite structure (government, workers, and employers) to ensure basic labor standards and promote social dialogue, and prioritizing safe and healthy working environments.

Al-Rajhi invited participating delegations to attend the second Global Labor Market Conference, hosted by the Kingdom in Riyadh on Jan. 29-30, 2025.

While at the conference, the Saudi delegation is highlighting the Kingdom’s achievements, key initiatives and legislative developments in the field of labor and human rights.

This includes presenting policies concerning occupational safety and health, equal opportunities in employment, and the prevention of child labor.

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s Transport General Authority will provide more than 27,000 buses to transport pilgrims during Hajj, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The vehicles will operate on 16 routes, with 11 stops and stations along the way, to make it easy for visitors to reach their destinations. More than 3,500 buses will be used exclusively to carry people to and from the Grand Mosque of Makkah.

The authority has also allocated 355 buses in Makkah and 27 in Madinah for pilgrims’ general use throughout their Hajj visit.

For the comfort and privacy of all, passengers are prohibited from smoking or eating on the buses and asked to refrain from holding loud telephone conversations.

Each vehicle is equipped to cater to individuals with mobility issues or disabilities and all drivers have been told to treat passengers with due care and respect.

On journeys exceeding three hours that encounter delays of more than an hour, passengers will be given complimentary meals and refreshments.

The transport authority has set up a hot line number — 19929 — for people wishing to report any issues regarding their travel and can also be contacted on X via its customer care account @TGA_CARE.