The Minister of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia, Eng. Ahmed Al-Rajhi, recently issued a decision to amend the Flexible Work Regulation in order to raise the number of working hours for flexible Saudi workers to 160 hours per month in one facility. The ministry made changes to Clause 2 of Article 27 of the Executive Regulations of the Labor Law, and also included the calculation of a full point for the facility in the Nitaqat Saudization Program upon completion of 160 hours of flexible work by an employee or a group of employees. Since the launch of the flexible work system, over 35,000 Saudi men and women have benefitted from it.
The amendments to the Flexible Work Regulation are part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to review labor market regulations, support establishment stability and growth, protect workers’ rights, and increase the attractiveness and flexibility of the labor market. The ministry is committed to creating opportunities for job seekers and providing additional income for Saudi workers through a flexible contractual regulation based on hourly wages. This initiative aims to preserve the rights of both parties and enhance safety and credibility by launching the flexible work platform to electronically document employment contracts.
The Flexible Work Regulation offers various benefits for both establishments and individuals, including increasing the readiness of jobseekers to enter the labor market, enabling them to develop necessary professional skills, and reducing recruitment costs. This regulation is part of the ministry’s program to empower Saudi men and women seeking additional work on an hourly basis. The ministry has introduced a system that allows companies and establishments to contract with individuals for specific hours of work, with the aim of formalizing the contractual process between employers and employees.
To take advantage of the flexible work system, individuals must be Saudi citizens and cannot be employed in the government or military sectors. Establishments can register workers with the flexible work system (Mrn) and verify their data through Absher or by creating a personal file on the portal website. Employers can search the portal for eligible employees and choose the most suitable candidate for the job. By implementing the flexible work system, the ministry hopes to provide job opportunities for Saudi workers while ensuring the rights and safety of both employers and employees.
