The main legislation governing employment in Saudi Arabia is Royal Decree No. (M/51) on the Labor Law Dated on 8/23/1426 AH (26 September 2005), which entered into force on 26 April 2006 and its Implementing Regulations and Ministerial Decisions and Resolutions issued by the Minister of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD).
On 6 August 2024, the Saudi Council of Ministers issued Decision No. 117 Dated on 02 /02 /1446 (6 August 2024) and approved amendments to the Labor Law. The Decision was officially published in the Official Gazette on 23 August 2024 and is expected to come into force 180 days after the publication, i.e. on 19 February 2025. The amendments include alternations to 38 articles, removal of 7 articles and the addition of 2 new articles, which aim to enhance worker protections, clarify employer cost burdens, and specify the responsibilities of HRSD.