Saudi Arabia lifts restrictions on expat workers

Saudi Arabia lifts restrictions on expat workers

  RIYADH – Saudi Arabia has removed key restrictions on expatriate workers, a move that is expected to benefit 10 million expats in the country. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday (November 23) welcomed Saudi Arabia’s decision, describing it as a “major labor reform program” that will benefit migrant workers, including almost 800,000 Filipinos. Saudi Arabia’s Labor Reform Initiative (LRI), which is slated to come into effect on March 14, 2021, makes three changes to Saudi Arabia’s labor laws. Under the LRI, foreign workers will be allowed to transfer to another employer without the current employer’s consent upon contract expiration. The LRI will also allow foreign workers to travel outside Saudi Arabia without their employer’s approval and allow them to leave the country without their employer’s consent upon contract expiration. The labor reforms are part of "Vision 2030" spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to make Saudi Arabia more attractive to foreign investors. Duterte said the LRI is “a significant step towards addressing concerns over the traditional sponsorship regime that exists in most parts of the Middle East”. There have been frequent reports of expats abused by employers due to the current labor system in Saudi Arabia. DIA/Expat Media

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