Saudi Arabia has introduced stricter labor regulations for foreign workers, marking a major policy shift aimed at improving workplace discipline and ensuring legal compliance across industries.
According to the Bureau of Immigration and Overseas Employment in Islamabad, the updated rules will apply to all expatriates seeking employment under the revised Saudi labor law framework.
The new policy states that individuals travelling for employment must be at least 21 years old and are required to strictly follow their employment contracts without violations.
Authorities have also introduced tighter rules regarding leave management and absenteeism, aiming to reduce unauthorized job abandonment and improve workforce accountability.
Under the revised regulations, workers who fail to return on time after annual leave will be marked absent, while prolonged unexplained absences can lead to strict penalties.
Officials added that absence for 30 consecutive days or 60 cumulative days without justification may result in termination of employment contracts.
The move is part of a broader enforcement strategy by Saudi authorities to strengthen labor discipline and maintain order in workplaces across the Kingdom.
Pakistani workers have been advised to ensure all legal documentation is completed before departure and to fully understand updated employment rules to avoid penalties.
The development follows increased enforcement actions, with authorities reportedly issuing thousands of decisions against labor and residency violations in recent months.
Officials emphasized that penalties for violations may include fines, imprisonment, and deportation, reflecting a stricter approach toward compliance.
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