SAUDI ARABIA

236,000 expatriates declared absconding by the end of 2016

September 12, 2017

Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH
– The number of expatriates who disappeared from their work places across the Kingdom reached 235,974 by the end of 2016, according to statistics published by the Ministry of Labor and Social Development.

The Riyadh region topped the list, accounting for 11 percent of the total absconders, followed by the Eastern Province. Asian workers represented 55 percent of the absentees reported last year by various companies and establishments.

The ministry has instructed companies to inform it about runaway expats. Once a worker is declared absconding his name would be removed from the company’s payroll.

In order to avail this service a company should register its address with the Saudi Post, the expat worker should be on its payroll and he/she should not have any claims on the firm.

“Another condition is that the expat’s work permit and resident permit should be valid,” said a ministry official who requested anonymity while talking to Al-Eqtisadiah business daily.

Meanwhile, the ministry has asked major companies to set out etiquette to be followed by employees in order to enhance reputation of the Kingdom’s labor market and improve its performance.

Companies have been instructed to follow the guidelines prepared by the ministry while setting out its work ethics, explaining the rights and duties of employees.

Companies that have already set out their etiquette should revise them incorporating new thoughts and developments. “Preparation of work ethics is essential in order to create a conducive work atmosphere at companies and establishments,” the official said.

The etiquette should have captions such as objectives, employee relations, work atmosphere, work ethics, general discipline, responsibilities, work ethics in Islam and Saudi Labor Law.

“The ministry has prepared a guideline for companies and establishments to make use of it while setting out their own etiquette,” the official said.

He said the publication of work ethics would benefit not only employees but also their employers. It will strengthen their relationship and prevent work-related conflicts.

“It will also contribute to enhancing international reputation of the Kingdom’s labor market,” the official said while reiterating the ministry’s support to workers in the private sector.


September 12, 2017
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