Indians characterize the second-largest expatriate group in Saudi Arabia and “welcoming circumstances” for girls are growing the dominion’s attraction for Indian girls looking for significant employment right here, in response to the nation’s human assets and social improvement ministry.
Official figures present that as of 2024, over 2.4 million Indian employees reside within the kingdom, with 1.64 million within the personal sector and 785,000 in home work. Bangladesh has the very best variety of expat employees at 2.69 million.
A spokesperson within the ministry mentioned Indian employees, together with girls, play an important position in Saudi Arabia’s labour market, comprising a considerable portion of the expatriate workforce.
“Complete reforms, expanded office assist, and investments in expertise improvement create welcoming circumstances for girls from numerous backgrounds,” the spokesperson mentioned.
“Improved infrastructure, together with women-only transportation and childcare assist, additional enhances the attraction for Indian girls looking for significant employment, enabling them to contribute to the dominion’s development whereas pursuing their skilled and private aspirations,” the spokesperson advised PTI.
Requested about some cases of Indians being duped by brokers and touts in India on employment alternatives in Saudi Arabia, he mentioned Saudi Arabia is devoted to upholding worldwide labour requirements and has carried out substantial labour reforms to guard employees’ rights.
“To additional assist these efforts, Saudi Arabia has established bilateral agreements with numerous international locations, together with India, to make sure the safety of employees throughout recruitment, specializing in data alternate, joint investigations, and capacity-building to fight compelled labour,” he mentioned.
The Musaned and Qiwa platforms permit employees to file complaints concerning wages, contract phrases, or mistreatment, making certain that these issues are addressed and, the place essential, authorized motion is taken, he added.
On the over 11,000 lawsuits involving Indian employees this yr, the spokesperson mentioned the primary stage of consideration of labour disputes between the employee and the employer is the mediation course of performed to resolve the dispute and attempt to attain an amicable decision acceptable to each events if doable or refer the case to the labour courtroom.
Elaborating on the working circumstances for girls, he mentioned that Saudi Arabia’s developments in supporting feminine employment place the nation as a conducive atmosphere for fulfillment.
The spokesperson mentioned that efforts by the ministry to assist and empower girls within the workforce have led to an unprecedented discount in feminine unemployment within the kingdom.
By the second quarter of 2024, the speed dropped to 12.8 per cent, down from 14.2 per cent within the first quarter – a 1.4 proportion level lower and a 3.1 proportion level drop from the identical interval in 2023.
The spokesperson mentioned in recent times, Saudi Arabia, by way of the Ministry of Human Sources and Social Improvement, has launched numerous labour reforms to enhance the working circumstances of expatriate employees, together with these from India.
“These reforms deal with enhancing employees’ rights and making certain that our insurance policies and practices align with internationally established requirements, by way of, for instance, our sturdy partnership with the Worldwide Labour Group,” he mentioned.
In 2014, Saudi Arabia formally launched the Musaned platform aimed toward facilitating a structured and clear recruitment course of by way of licensed companies, and ensures standardised, digital contracts that guarantee employees perceive their rights and obligations.
It additionally permits employees to trace their wage funds, report any violations, and entry assist providers. Musaned gives 14 providers to numerous nationalities.
The platform has been instrumental in concluding tons of of hundreds of recruitment contracts safely and securely, the spokesperson mentioned.
Speaking about different key insurance policies, he mentioned the Labour Reform Initiative of 2021 has enhanced the contractual relationship between employers and expatriate employees, strengthening employees’ rights and entry to alternatives in Saudi Arabia.
The Musaned and Qiwa platforms standardise contracts, observe wage funds, and provide assist providers, selling employee mobility and safety by way of safe and clear digital methods, he mentioned.
Saudi Arabia has additionally made medical health insurance necessary for all personal sector workers, making certain entry to important healthcare providers all through their employment.
There are additionally warmth safety laws and summer time working hours for all workers, the spokesperson mentioned.
