Saudi labour market reforms to attract global workforce: Minister

Saudi is all set to bring in more reforms in its labour sector which will magnetize the global workforce to the Kingdom's market, said the deputy minister of human resources and social development for the labor sector, Abdullah bin Nasser Abu Nassin.

During the 109th session of the International Labor Conference (ILO) while heading the Kingdom's delegation, Nassin stated that the schemes initiated last year by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) as part of 'The Kingdom's Vision 2030' will fetch the international labour into the state.

During the virtual opening meeting, the delegation head stated that Saudi Arabia has launched several initiatives and events aimed at improving the working environment based on its Labor Reform Initiative (LRI). The country aims to ensure the protection of workers and employment, introduce digitalized programme to resolve labour disputes, empower women in social and economic development and increase their participation in the labour market.

In the plenary session of the virtual conference, the Minister called on all countries to work together to perish the coronavirus crisis at all levels. Recognizing its danger at an early stage of the pandemic, the Saudi regime has formulated a comprehensive plan to combat the virus and its consequences by prioritizing the safety of citizens and residents in the country, he pointed out. The Kingdom also supported global efforts to combat this pandemic and contributed $500 million for the cause.

Nassin added that Saudi Arabia has always a firm stand in dealing with forceful violation of labour law including human trafficking. In 1976, Saudi Arabia became a member of the International Labour Organization and has been following its policies since then.

The new projects are an extension of the constant efforts to strengthen the country's position in the international labour sector and as well as to bolster bilateral trade relations between the countries, the Minister noted.