Expat workers rejoice as Saudi Arabia’s labor reforms usher in new era

Expat workers have greeted the reform package enthusiastically, saying it offers them greater choice and support in employment. (SPA)
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Updated 14 March 2021
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Expat workers rejoice as Saudi Arabia’s labor reforms usher in new era

  • Under changes to kafala sponsorship system, foreign workers in private sector will have improved job mobility
  • Ten million migrant workers are expected to benefit from changes under the kingdom’s Labor Reform Initiative

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has ushered in a new era with historic labor reforms offering greater freedom to millions of migrant and expatriate workers taking effect on Sunday.
Under changes to the kafala sponsorship system, foreign workers in the private sector will have improved job mobility, and be able to change jobs and leave the country without employers’ consent.
The dramatic overhaul — part of the Kingdom’s efforts to build an attractive jobs market — also will allow expat workers to apply directly for government services, with their employment contracts documented digitally.
As many as 10 million migrant workers are expected to benefit from changes under the Kingdom’s Labor Reform Initiative (LRI), intended to foster “a competitive and fair working environment.”
The initiative will help foreign workers acquire residency status that is not tied to a specific employer, and will allow job mobility as well as exit and re-entry visas while protecting the rights of both employee and employer.
Expat workers have greeted the reform package enthusiastically, saying it offers them greater choice and support in employment.
“This is one of the best things to have happened since I came to work in Saudi,” Imroz Abdulrahman, an Indian expat who has been living in the Kingdom for five years, told Arab News.
“I remember four years ago, when I wanted to leave my former employer and go to work for another family, the process was very complicated and difficult for everyone involved. The problems took months to resolve.”
He added: “This is a great development and will help a lot of people. I am happy to have more control over where I can work and knowing that people like me will have more support in future.”
However, Abdulghani Al-Ansari, chairman of information technology firm Bayt Al-Edarah, said that the labor reforms are a “big challenge” for private sector SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises), adding that the government sector is leading the overhaul as part of the Vision 2030 objectives.

HIGHLIGHT

As many as 10 million migrant workers are expected to benefit from changes under the Kingdom’s Labor Reform Initiative (LRI), intended to foster ‘a competitive and fair working environment.’

“The private sector is still absorbing the changes,” he told Arab News.
Employers will be required to digitally document employee contracts to reduce the disparity between Saudi and expat workers.
“Today there is a big challenge ahead of us in terms of developing the human resources in SMEs, which are finding it difficult to absorb the concepts and mechanisms of the initiative easily.”
Al-Ansari said that he hoped SMEs will be given six months to adapt to the new rules.
“SMEs do not have laws protecting their secrets, meaning that the secrets of a company will go to another competitive company,” he said.
Al-Ansari, who led the human resources committee at the Madinah Chamber of Commerce, said the labor market is changing dramatically.
“However, minds and skills do not have a nationality or a race, and the private sector believes in profitability and competency, meaning that diversity is a good thing and will benefit the national economy,” he said.
Gloria Calinao, a domestic worker who has lived Saudi Arabia for 10 years, said: “I remember how complicated the kafala process was. I wish the new rule applies to domestic workers too so that they can also enjoy job mobility.”
Two government portals, Absher and Qiwa, have been designated for the reform procedures.

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Saudi crown prince, Jordan’s king held meeting in Jeddah

Updated 9 sec ago
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Saudi crown prince, Jordan’s king held meeting in Jeddah

  • King Abdullah expressed pride in historical relations between Riyadh and Amman
  • Two leaders discussed recent developments in the region, particularly situation in Gaza Strip

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Jordan’s King Abdullah II on Wednesday during an official visit to Saudi Arabia.

King Abdullah arrived in Jeddah, accompanied by Crown Prince Hussein, and was received by the deputy governor of Makkah, Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

King Abdullah expressed pride in the historical relations between Riyadh and Amman during his meeting with the crown prince, the Petra news agency reported. He acknowledged the significant role of Saudi Arabia in supporting Arab and Islamic causes.

The two leaders discussed recent developments in the region, particularly the situation in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank, Petra added.

Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Crown Prince Hussein and Director of the Jordanian King’s Office Alaa Batayneh attended the meeting.


Saudi forces join ‘Desert Flag’ air drill in UAE

Updated 38 min 36 sec ago
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Saudi forces join ‘Desert Flag’ air drill in UAE

  • Royal Saudi Air Force and Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces are among units taking part in the exercise, which will continue for several weeks at Al-Dhafra Air Base
  • Other countries participating are Qatar, Bahrain, Turkiye, the US, France, South Korea, the UK, Australia, India, and Germany

RIYADH: Saudi defense forces have joined contingents from 10 other nations in the “Desert Flag” joint air exercise in the UAE, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The Royal Saudi Air Force and Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces are among units taking part in the exercise, which will continue for several weeks at Al-Dhafra Air Base.

Other countries participating are Qatar, Bahrain, Turkiye, the US, France, South Korea, the UK, Australia, India, and Germany.

Commander of the air force contingent, Lt. Col. Pilot Faisal Al-Marwani, said preparations were carried out in line with approved safety standards for military exercises.

Al-Marwani added that the Saudi Air Force deployed six F-15C fighters with full crews to exchange military expertise in realistic combat scenarios, enhance readiness, and strengthen international partnerships.

He said that the exercise includes various air maneuvers, such as defensive and offensive counter-air operations, close air support, and combat search and rescue.

The objectives include exchanging expertise in planning and execution, improving combat readiness, and strengthening ties with participating forces.


UN competition calls on Saudi startups using AI in travel

Updated 30 min 25 sec ago
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UN competition calls on Saudi startups using AI in travel

  • UN tourism competition aims to drive innovation in the travel industry
  • Saudi entrepreneurs urged to join as sector embraces digital transformation

RIYADH: A Riyadh-based UN tourism official has called on companies to take part in a competition spotlighting startups using AI in the tourism sector.

The Global Artificial Intelligence Challenge runs until Friday and aims to recognize companies that are using AI to improve user experience and sustainability.

“The tourism sector is undergoing a rapid transformation, with artificial intelligence at the forefront, reshaping how we travel, experience destinations and operate within the industry,” said Samer Al-Kharashi, director of the UN Tourism Regional Office for the Middle East in Riyadh.

The competition calls on entrepreneurs who are “integrating AI solutions into their tourism businesses.” It aims to “identify and support start-ups driving innovation with AI technologies that enhance experiences and contribute to the sustainable growth of the sector.”

Al-Kharashi said: “This initiative is part of UN Tourism’s broader mission to innovate and lead digital transformation, drive growth through improved operations and impact; collaborate across sectors; and shape the future of a smarter, more resilient tourism sector.”

Startups that reach the final stages will gain access to a global network of mentors and industry leaders. Winners will pitch at the UN Tourism Demo Day and join an acceleration program at SPARK, the innovation hub of Les Roches. Support also includes connections to more than 90 venture capitalists and institutions across 150-plus countries, as well as potential pilot opportunities and additional backing from Plug and Play.

Al-Kharashi noted the importance of engaging entrepreneurs from the Middle East, saying that the regional office was “committed to recognizing and advancing the region’s innovation, fostering cross-border collaboration, and ensuring that local entrepreneurs are actively engaged in shaping the future of global tourism.”

He also pointed to the Kingdom’s strategic positioning. “Saudi Arabia, under its Vision 2030 initiatives, has placed a strong emphasis on adopting digital solutions ... This competition aligns directly with the Kingdom’s broader objectives, offering a platform for the younger generation, particularly AI enthusiasts and start-ups.”

Examples of AI integration in Saudi tourism include NEOM’s use of the Arena OneBrain system, which combines “the Large Human Behavior Model” and a real-time adaptation engine to create hyper-personalized travel experiences. “These innovations ... exemplify Saudi Arabia’s commitment to driving digital transformation in the tourism sector,” Al-Kharashi said.

AI is also being applied in environmental maintenance. “Red Sea Global introduced an AI-powered beach-cleaning robot ... capable of detecting and removing debris as small as one cubic centimeter,” Alkharashi said. He added that this shift toward “behind-the-scenes efficiency” reflected broader trends in AI-driven tourism innovation.


Saudi, Tunisian officials discuss humanitarian efforts 

Updated 23 April 2025
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Saudi, Tunisian officials discuss humanitarian efforts 

RIYADH: Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, supervisor general of Saudi Arabia’s aid agency KSrelief, met with Tunisia’s President Kais Saied in the capital, Tunis.

The two officials discussed humanitarian and relief issues, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Saied lauded the strong ties between Saudi Arabia and Tunisia, highlighting the two nations’ exceptional medical professionals.

He further commended the Saudi Arabia program for the separation of conjoined twins.

The KSrelief chief also held a meeting with Tunisia’s Minister of Health Dr. Mustapha Ferjani to discuss humanitarian issues, the SPA reported.

Ferjani lauded the Kingdom’s humanitarian efforts through KSrelief to help people worldwide.

Since its launch in May 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,400 projects worth more than $7.9 billion across 106 countries, in partnership with more than 311 organizations.


Environment Week unites Saudis for a sustainable future

The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority organized a volunteer trip for more than 550 students to plant
Updated 23 April 2025
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Environment Week unites Saudis for a sustainable future

  • Tree planting, coral reef workshops and coastal cleanups drive the Kingdom’s environmental vision for 2030

Riyadh: The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority organized a volunteer trip for more than 550 students to plant more than 3,000 seedlings during Environment Week.

The initiative encourages positive environmental behavior among students, raises early age awareness, and fosters individual and collective responsibility for protecting the environment, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Held annually from April 20 to 26, Environment Week focuses on environmental awareness and sustainable practices. The 2025 theme, “Our Environment is a Treasure,” reflects the Kingdom’s efforts to conserve natural resources.

The reserve supports sustainability and environmental education. It has planted more than 3 million seedlings, dispersed more than 4 tonnes of seeds and restored 700,000 hectares of land.

At the Environment Week event in Sakaka, the authority is highlighting its achievements, including habitat restoration, seed dispersal and wildlife conservation.

These efforts include reintroducing 1,455 animals and recording 177 new births, including endangered species such as the sand gazelle, Arabian oryx and mountain ibex.

The authority’s exhibition pavilion showcases the biodiversity of the reserve, home to more than 350 wildlife and 290 bird species.

It also highlights initiatives to protect ecosystems, support sustainability and engage the community in conservation efforts.

During Environment Week in Jeddah, government, private, and nonprofit entities showcased initiatives to raise environmental awareness and promote sustainability.

The National Center for Environmental Compliance highlighted the public’s role in environmental protection, compliance with regulations and reporting violations.

The Vegetation Cover Development Foundation, established by the Ministry of Environment and the National Center for Vegetation Cover, presented nine initiatives aligned with the Saudi Green Initiative. These focus on environmental protection, energy transition and sustainability.

Separately, the Islamic Arts Biennale hosted an interactive workshop on Jeddah’s coral reefs, featuring academics from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.

The workshop explored the ecological and historical significance of coral reefs, threats like bleaching, and scientific efforts in reef restoration and biodiversity conservation.

Organized to connect art with environmental issues, the event aimed to foster dialogue between the arts and sciences while promoting awareness of sustainability in line with Vision 2030.

As part of Environment Week, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture in Umluj, along with partner agencies and volunteer divers, organized a seabed cleanup at Duqm Beach.

The campaign aimed to raise awareness about marine conservation by removing debris to protect coastal wildlife and ecosystems.

Volunteer divers and authorities collaborated in underwater cleanups, highlighting the impact of joint environmental efforts.

The initiative supports Vision 2030 goals of promoting sustainability and encouraging public responsibility for environmental protection.

In Riyadh, the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification took part in the Environment Week exhibition alongside public and private sector entities.

The center launched nationwide awareness campaigns featuring interactive booths, educational activities, volunteer opportunities and greening efforts to promote public engagement in environmental protection.

Its initiatives focus on restoring degraded land, conserving biodiversity, managing rangelands and parks and addressing violations like unregulated firewood collection. These efforts aim to build a resilient vegetation ecosystem and support sustainability goals.

The Saudi Investment Recycling Co., a Public Investment Fund subsidiary, also took part in the event.

Through its subsidiaries, the company showcased its role in supporting a green and circular economy in line with Vision 2030, focusing on waste diversion, emissions reduction and advanced recycling technologies.

The group manages companies specializing in recycling, treating various types of waste and producing soil improvers, contributing to the Kingdom’s broader sustainability efforts.