Saudi Arabia has introduced stricter labour regulations for foreign nationals seeking employment in the Kingdom, marking a significant policy shift aimed at improving workplace discipline.
According to the Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment in Islamabad, the new rules — implemented under Saudi labour law — apply to all foreign workers and include updated provisions on leave and absenteeism.
Under the revised framework, individuals travelling to Saudi Arabia for employment must be at least 21 years of age. Workers have also been directed to strictly adhere to the terms outlined in their employment contracts.
The regulations state that employees who fail to return on time after availing annual leave will be marked as absent. Additionally, any worker who remains absent without prior notice for 30 consecutive days, or accumulates 60 days of intermittent absence, may face termination of their contract.
Officials said the measures are intended to enforce greater discipline among foreign workers and ensure compliance with labour laws.
Pakistani nationals have been advised to complete all required legal formalities before departure and to familiarise themselves with the updated rules to avoid potential complications.
The development comes amid a broader crackdown on violations of residency and labour regulations in Saudi Arabia. According to reports, the Saudi General Directorate of Passports issued more than 15,000 decisions within a month through administrative committees handling cases related to residency, labour, and border security violations.
The Saudi Press Agency reported that the actions targeted both citizens and foreign residents, with penalties including fines, imprisonment and deportation.
