More than 9 million labour contracts have been authenticated via a Saudi government platform as part of efforts to safeguard contractual rights and boost work stability, the kingdom’s Ministry of Human Resources has said.

Importance of Authenticating Labour Contracts

The ministry has urged all Saudi and foreign private sector employees to make sure their labour contracts are authenticated via the Qiwa platform, saying the step is important for preserving workers’ rights, providing a stable labour environment conducive to increased productivity, strengthening trust between contractual parties, and reducing labour rows.

Benefits for Compliant Establishments

Establishments that authenticate at least 80 per cent of their employees’ contracts gain full access to the ministry’s services, such as the issuance of visas, transfer of services, and change of professions.

Implementation Plan

Last year, the Ministry of Human Resources unveiled an authentication plan via Qiwa, the labour sector’s main outlet in the kingdom. The plan obligates private sector institutions to document 20 per cent of their employees’ contracts in the first quarter of 2023, 50 per cent in the second half, and 80 per cent in the third quarter.

Qiwa Platform Features

Qiwa enables employers to upload and update data related to private sector employment contracts while allowing employees to verify contract data, approve or reject, or request modifications.

Goals of the Authentication Plan

The plan aims to preserve the rights of parties to the contractual relationship, provide a stable labour environment, and bolster the job market in the kingdom.

Major Labour Reforms

In 2020, Saudi Arabia introduced major labour reforms, drastically improving its sponsorship system. The reforms, which went into effect the following year, allow job mobility and regulate the exit and re-entry visa issuance for expat workers without employers’ approval.