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Browse through brief employment and labor law updates from around the globe. Contact a Littler attorney for more information or view our global locations.
View all Q2 2021 Global Guide Quarterly updates Download full Q2 2021 Global Guide Quarterly
Job Seekers Subsidy
New Legislation Enacted
Authors: Sara Khoja, Partner and Sarit Thomas, Attorney-at-Law - Clyde & Co.
A new law, which becomes effective in August 2021, allows eligible individuals to benefit from 15 months of job seeker benefits as follows: (i) SAR 2,000/month for the first four months; (ii) SAR 1,500/month for the next four months; (iii) SAR 1,000/month for the next four months; and (iv) SAR 750/month for the last three months. Applicants must meet several eligibility criteria, including be a KSA national or permanent resident, searching for a job, between the age of 20-40 years, unemployed, below a certain income threshold, among other criteria. During the period in receipt of the benefits, the individual is required to notify of any change in circumstances, comply with any instructions, attend training, education courses, accept appropriate job offers, demonstrate they are searching for jobs. The benefit can cease or be reduced for a number of reasons.
Revised Nitaqat Manual
New Regulation or Official Guidance
Authors: Sara Khoja, Partner and Sarit Thomas, Attorney-at-Law - Clyde & Co.
Under Ministerial Decision No. 182495, dated 11/10/1442 AH, concerning the Developed Nitaqat Program, the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) launched its revised Saudization manual (Nitaqat). The latest version contains three new features, the first being a localization plan to increase organizational stability, the second containing a new Saudization formula directly associated with the number of employees at an organization (rather than using classifications), and the third simplifying the program’s characteristics.
COVID-19 Workplace Vaccination Requirements
New Regulation or Official Guidance
Authors: Sara Khoja, Partner and Sarit Thomas, Attorney-at-Law - Clyde & Co.
The Saudi Press Agency has reported that effective August 1, 2021, individuals will be permitted entry into public and private establishments only if they have received one of the KSA-approved COVID-19 vaccines.