In the past month, there have been several labour and employment law developments, chief among them: i) new COVID-19 workplace vaccination requirements will enter into force on 1 August 2021; and ii) the government has launched its revised Saudisation manual (Nitaqat).
COVID-19 Workplace Vaccination Requirements
The Saudi Press Agency has reported that effective 1 August 2021, individuals will only be permitted entry into public and private establishments if they have received one of the government-approved COVID-19 vaccinations.
Ministerial Decision No. 182495 dated 11/10/1442 AH concerning the Developed Nitaqat Programme
The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has launched its revised Saudisation manual (Nitaqat) via Ministerial Decision No. 182495 dated 11/10/1442 AH concerning the Developed Nitaqat Programme. The latest version contains three new features: the first being a localisation plan to increase organisational stability; the second containing a new Saudisation formula directly associated with the number of employees at an organisation (rather than using classifications); and the third simplifying the programme’s characteristics.
Key Action Points for Human Resources and In-house Counsel
Employers will need to understand the new method of calculating their Nitiqat rating to ensure compliance with the new programme.