In a significant move, the Saudi government has given the green light to rules governing overtime work for employees in state institutions. The latest decree, detailed in the Saudi Official Gazette Umm Al Qura, allows public institutions with independent administrative and financial regulations to assign employees to work beyond official hours and during holidays, including the Muslim feasts of Al Fitr and Al Adha.

1. No Need for Approval Requests: Employees can engage in overtime work without the need for prior approval, streamlining the process for increased flexibility.

2. Compliance with Regulations: Overtime assignments must adhere to financial and administrative regulations set by the institutions' boards of directors, ensuring consistency and fairness.

3. Control and Oversight: In collaboration with the ministries of finance and human resources, institutions must implement controls to ensure that overtime assignments meet essential work needs, promoting efficiency.

4. Budgetary Responsibility: Financial allocations for overtime work should come from the institutions' budgets, eliminating any additional strain on the state budget.

This development comes as part of Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to enhance its labor market and attractiveness. With a population of around 32.2 million, the kingdom continues to implement reforms, including the 2020 labor reforms aimed at improving the sponsorship system and promoting job mobility for expatriate workers.