New regulations for agricultural and pastoral workers: rights, working hours, and leave

In a significant regulatory step aimed at developing the labor market and enhancing the efficiency of the contractual environment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has approved a new regulatory framework specifically for agricultural workers, private caregivers, and those in similar categories. This step complements the Ministry's efforts to regulate employment for individuals outside of commercial establishments, thereby guaranteeing the rights of all parties and strengthening the attractiveness of the Saudi labor market.

A regulatory framework that aligns with Vision 2030

This regulation is part of a series of legislative reforms underway in the Kingdom within the framework of Vision 2030, which aims to improve working conditions, protect human rights, combat human trafficking, and ensure fairness in labor relations. The agriculture and livestock sector is a vital sector that required a precise legal framework defining responsibilities and duties, especially since this category of workers interacts directly with individuals and families on farms and private pastures.

Regulating working hours and overtime pay

The new regulations set strict standards for working hours and rest periods, clearly stating:

• Working hours: It is not permissible to employ a worker for more than 8 hours per day.
• Rest periods: The worker shall not work more than 5 consecutive hours without a rest of at least half an hour (which shall be counted as part of the working hours).
• Overtime work: If the worker needs to work overtime, the regulations require the employer to pay the hourly wage plus 50% of the basic wage.
• Weekly rest: The worker is entitled to a weekly paid rest day of no less than 24 consecutive hours.

Annual leave and public holidays

For the first time, leave entitlements for this category are framed precisely in accordance with international standards, with the regulations granting workers the following rights:

• Paid annual leave of no less than 30 days for each year of service.
• The Eid al-Fitr holiday is for 4 days, starting from the 29th of Ramadan.
• Saudi National Day and Founding Day holiday (February 12).
• The right to monetary compensation for unused vacation balance upon termination of the contract.

Protecting age groups and mutual obligations

To protect minors and regulate the labor market, the regulations prohibit the employment of any worker under the age of 21. They also limit the probationary period to a maximum of 90 days, which cannot be repeated with the same employer.

Regarding living expenses, the regulations obligated the employer to provide suitable housing, food (or a financial allowance), and transportation, in addition to bearing the costs of recruitment, accommodation, and travel tickets, and categorically prohibited the confiscation of the worker's passport or documents.

Expected economic and social impact

This regulation is expected to reduce labor disputes that arose due to the lack of clear legal frameworks governing the relationship between individuals and agricultural workers. Furthermore, this decision will enhance the Kingdom's international reputation regarding the rights of migrant workers and encourage the recruitment of skilled and trained labor, which will positively impact the productivity of the private agricultural and livestock sectors.