Riyadh: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has ushered in a new era of historic labourreforms. According to Arab News, the reforms, which will take effect onSunday, will provide millions of workers and foreign workers with jobfreedom.
After the change in the sponsorship system, foreign employees will be ableto change their jobs and leave the country without the consent of theemployer.
Under changes to *Kafala* sponsorship system, foreign workers in privatesector will have improved job mobility.
The move is part of the government’s drive to create an attractive jobmarket, allowing foreign employees to apply for jobs in government sectorsdirectly with digital paperwork.
The changes under the country’s Labour Reform Initiative (LRI) are expectedto benefit 10 million foreign workers.
These reforms will help foreign employees gain residency in Saudi Arabia,which is not linked to any particular employer.
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In addition, the new reforms allow foreign workers to switch from onecompany to another. Foreign employees will also be able to travel abroadand return freely. The newly introduced reforms aim to protect the rightsof both employers and employees.
On the other hand, foreign employees have expressed happiness over thereforms, saying that it will be easier for them to choose a job.
“This is the best thing I have ever done in Saudi Arabia,” said a workerwho has lived in Saudi Arabia for five years.
Four years ago, when he wanted to quit his former employer’s job and gosomewhere else to work, it was very difficult for him and it took manymonths to solve this problem, he added. “This is a great development and itwill help a lot of people.”
