What is Wazarat Amal?

Meaning & Translation
“Wazarat Amal” (وزارة العمل) also known as Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) in Saudi Arabia, earlier known as the Ministry of Labor and Social Development. It plays a critical role in managing everything related to employment, worker rights, and labor law enforcement including issuing and managing work permits (Iqamas) for expats working in Saudi Arabia

Role of the Ministry of Labor
The Ministry oversees employment policies, work visas, job contracts, employer-employee disputes, and labor law compliance. For expats, it’s the go-to authority for resolving employment issues, checking visa status, and more.

Online Services Offered by Wazarat Amal

1. Iqama Validity & Profession Check
You can verify your Iqama (residency ID) validity, expiration date, and listed profession through the Wazarat Amal portal or linked platforms like Absher and Qiwa.

2. Contract Verification
Check if your job contract is registered and compliant with labor laws. This is especially important if you’re facing issues like profession mismatch or salary disputes.

3. Complaint Registration
You can file labor complaints online against your employer if you’re facing any unfair treatment, unpaid wages, or abuse.

4. Visa Status & Work Permit Services
Track your visa status, get updates on profession changes, and verify your work permit online.

5. Employer Services
Businesses can also use Wazarat Amal for Saudization quotas, hiring approvals, and work permit renewals.

How to Use the Wazarat Amal Portal

Step-by-step Guide

1. Visit the official site: mol.gov.sa
2. Navigate to the “Individual Services” section.
3. Select the desired service like “Iqama Check,” “Contract Review,” or “Complaint Filing.”
4. Enter required details like Iqama number, employer ID, or phone number.
5. Submit the form and wait for results or confirmation.

Comparison: mol.gov.sa vs qiwa.sa vs absher.sa

• mol.gov.sa: Labor-specific services
• qiwa.sa: Employee contracts, profession change, job mobility
• absher.sa: Broader services including Iqama, travel, and civil affairs

Wazarat Amal Jobs & Work Visa Info

Finding Jobs in Saudi Arabia
Wazarat Amal connects with job platforms approved by the government. Many jobs listed require registration via Qiwa or verification through Wazarat Amal.

Visa Status Checks
Check your current work visa, profession, and transfer eligibility through their portal or mobile apps.

Saudi Aramco has increased diesel prices in Saudi Arabia to SR (Saudi Riyals)1.66 ($0.44) per liter, starting from Jan. 1, 2025, which is a 44.3 percent increase compared to early 2024.

Diesel Prices / Gasoline 95 Updates Prices in Jan 2025

According to the latest update on Aramco’s website, gasoline prices remain the same, with Gasoline 91 at SR (Saudi Riyals) 2.18 per liter and Gasoline 93 at SR (Saudi Riyals)2.33 per liter.

Musaned has clarified new rules about the recruitment system.

• Expatriates cannot apply Visa for domestic workers from their own country, but are allowed to recruit domestic workers from other countries
• To initially issue a recruitment visa, an expatriate must have salary of SR 10,000 and also provides evidence of bank balance of SR 100,000. To issue a second visa an expatriate must have salary of SR 20,000 and also provides evidence of bank balance of SR 200,000.

New Regulations for Domestic Workers in Saudi Arabia

• Age – domestic workers must be 21 years and above ONLY.
• Dates – Gregorian dates for contracts, not Islamic (Hijri)
• Unpaid Salaries – Considered First Degree debts
• Contracts – MUST be based on standardized government templates

A: Employment Contacts – Terms have to include:

1. Job descriptions
2. Personal details (both parties)
3. Signing dates
4. Salaries
5. Payment Methods
6. Rights and Responsibilities (Sponsor & Employee)
7. Probation Periods (Up to 90 days only & only one)
8. Working Hours
9. Holidays
10. Overtime Policy
11. Renewal Procedures
12. Termination Clauses
13. Insurance Terms.

Probation Period – Sponsor or worker can end employment

Work Hours – No more than 10 hours daily

Rest Periods – 24 hours per week

B: Employer’s Responsibility

1. All employment fees (recruitment, job changes, transfers, Iqama, work permit, and penalties)
2. Housing
3. Food
4. Not keeping passports
5. Not keeping personal documents
6. No racist or sexist abuse
7. No verbal, physical, or mental abuse

C: Worker Responsibilities

1. Perform work duties
2. Protect the sponsor’s property
3. No physical assaults on family members
4. Maintain sponsor privacy and confidentiality
5. No self or second employment

D: Islam- Respect Islamic principles, practices, and social traditions

The minimum age of 21 is to protect against the abuse of young workers.

Sponsors must state workers’ salaries in writing and pay any outstanding dues highlighting worker financial rights.

Conclusion

The new rules are a massive step forward concerning the treatment and rights of domestic workers, which aim to produce transparency and balance in the labor market for employers and employees alike.

GASCO said this in a statement and have also published on the website of Saudi Stock Exchange (TADAWUL), that it had received a letter from the Ministry of Energy regarding the adjustment in the selling prices of LPG effective from Sunday, June 11.

The prices for refilling new gas cylinder reached SR19.85 inclusive of value-added tax (VAT), and excluding transportation charges from distribution stations to sales outlets. GASCO stated that the current changes in prices will not have any noteworthy financial impact on the company’s net income in future.

The old price for refilling a gas cylinder was SR18.85, including VAT and this is not inclusive of transportation charges from distribution stations to sales outlets.

It can be hard to find the right place to work, especially if you live in Saudi Arabia (KSA). With so many companies to choose from, it can be hard to know which ones are the best.

We’ve made a full list of the best places to work in Saudi Arabia in 2023 because of this.

This guide will help you find the right company to start or grow your career, no matter how new you are to the job market or how long you’ve been in the pitch.

On its list of the best places to work in Saudi Arabia for 2023, the company chose 25 large, 35 small and medium, and the top 25 micro organisations.

This year, the family-run Al-Dabbagh Group was chosen as the best large company to work for in Saudi Arabia.

The other four companies on the list are PepsiCo, the Hilton International Hotel chain, and logistics company DHL Express.

In Saudi Arabia, Cisco has been named the best workplace for small and medium-sized businesses in 2023.

Best places to work in Saudi Arabia 2023

• Al Dabbagh Group
• Chalhoub Group
• PepsiCo
• Hilton
• DHL Express
• SAMI Advanced Electronics Company
• Dar Al Riyadh
• Masdar
• Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA)
• Savola Foods
• Deloitte Global
• TAMER Healthcare
• Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF)
• Theeb Rent A Car Company
• Budget Saudi Arabia
• Landmark Group
• Mosanada Logistics Services
• Capital Market Authority
• Arabian Trading Supplies
• Issam Mohamed Khairi Kabbani & Partners Holding Company
• Apparel Group
• SMSA Express Transportation Company ltd
• Abdul Latif Jameel Enterprises
• Half Million Company
• State Properties General Authority
• Altanfeethi

Small and Medium

• Cisco
• DHL Global Forwarding
• Sirar by STC
• Medtronic Meta FZ-LLC
• Al Muhaidib Holding Company
• Kinan
• Servier
• L’Oreal
• Asharqia Chamber
• Amaq
• Alkhabeer Capital
• Edarat Communication and Information Technology Company
• Enayah
• AstraZeneca
• Lean Business Services
• Trax Group
• Unifonic
• Lucidya
• SARA Group
• Saudi Council of Engineers
• Alkhalil Architecture Company
• OCEANX
• Makkiyoon
• AbbVie KSA
• Energy City Development Company (ECDC)
• Binyah
• Crew Company
• BinZagr Co – Ro Ltd
• TAM
• DHL Supply Chain
• Quality of Life Program Center
• Tourism Development Fund (TDF)
• Teleperformance
• Athar Alkhair Holding Co
• AIR PRODUCTS MIDDLE EAST INDUSTRIAL GASES LLC – KSA

Micro

• Biogen
• DOW
• ZenHR
• Top Talent Solutions
• AlHadaya Center
• Trahum
• Elevation United Property Management Company
• Khobar Health Network – Al Kornaish
• Air Products Qudra
• Majd Arabia
• Daralesnad
• ODEL
• Eyad Reda Law Firm
• Ghadan
• Saudi Surfing Federation
• Empower
• Ash and Maple Management
• Al-Nahdi Family Office
• Tajalla Creative Agency
• AcedrA BioPharmaceuticals
• CoREACH
• Aims Gulf Insurance Brokers
• Alpha Consulting Group
• Center of Legal Studies and Research
• Alcon

“Wednesday, March 23, is the first of Ramadan for the year 1444H,” the Supreme Court was quoted as declaring in a statement released from the Saudi royal court.

Ramadan 2023 in Saudi Arabia

“The Ramadan fasting should start and complete on the basis of sighting of the crescent moon,” the Supreme Court noted the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon his name) when it confirmed the moon’s sighting. The court also extended the greetings of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman the The Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, the Saudi public and government and Muslims across the Kingdom as well as around the world, on the beginning of the holy month.

It said that the Supreme Court said, it asks Almighty Allah to help Muslims during their fasting throughout the holy month, and to assist them in completing their prayers. The court also requested for Allah to accept Muslims doing good deeds and help them unify their ranks and help bring reconciliation between the Muslims.

The Supreme Court held a session to hear the testimonies of people who witnessed the Ramadan crescent in the evening. After reviewing the testimony that it received, it was confirmed by the Supreme Court confirmed that the moon was seen.

Public Sector Working Hours During Ramadan

n the public sector in Saudi Arabia, working hours during Ramadan are reduced by two hours per day. This applies to all government offices, including schools, hospitals, and other institutions.

The Ministry also said that the working hours for employees covered by the executive regulations for human resources in the civil service start from 10 am to 3 pm.

Working Hours For Public Sector During Ramadan

The attendance of employees at workplaces will  be divided into three groups, separated by an hour so that the working hours are as follows: the first group (first shift) from 9:30 – 14:30 hours, the second (second shift) from 10:30 – 15:30, and the third (third shift) from 11:30 – 16:30.

Private Sector Working Hours During Ramadan

Working hours for the private sector will be 6 hours per day. Moreover, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has introduced flexible working hours for Saudi employees during Ramadan, as detailed below:

9:30 am to 2:30 pm
10:30 am to 3:30 pm
11:30 am to 4:30 pm

In addition to reduced working hours, many organizations in Saudi Arabia provide a more flexible work schedule during Ramadan. This may include allowing employees to take longer breaks during the day to pray, or adjusting their work schedules to allow for more time with their families during the evening.

In the Article 98 of Saudi Labor Law, the Ramadan working hours in Saudi Arabia are the following; 6 Hours a day or 36 hours a week for Muslim employees. 8 Hours a day or 48 hours a week for Non-Muslim employees.

History of Gold Mining in Saudi Arabia

In the past, the Egyptians mined gold from the Red Sea shore, beginning the history of gold mining in Saudi Arabia. The area that is now Saudi Arabia was renowned for its gold deposits, and gold mining was a prominent business in the area throughout the Ottoman Empire.

The Arabian American Oil Corporation (ARAMCO) started investigating the kingdom’s potential for oil in the early 20th century. The focus during this time period changed from gold mining to oil prospecting. Yet in the 1980s, the Saudi Arabian government took action to resurrect the nation’s gold mining sector.

Gold Reserves in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia holds the 17th-largest amount of gold reserves in the world, with an estimated 323.5 tonnes of reserves. Keeping the gold reserves is the responsibility of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA), which acts as the nation’s central bank.

Gold bars and coins are only a couple of the several ways that SAMA keeps its gold reserves. Gold bars owned by SAMA are normally 400 ounce bars, while gold coins are commonly in denominations of 1 ounce and 1/2 ounce.

Gold Mining in Saudi Arabia

The Mahd Al-Dhahab area, sometimes referred to as the “Cradle of Gold,” is where most of Saudi Arabia’s gold mining takes place. The Mahd Al-Dhahab mine, one of the world’s oldest gold mines, is situated in the country’s western region.

Geologists originally identified the Mahd Al-Dhahab mine in the 1930s, and the Saudi Arabian government gave American corporation Bechtel mining licences in 1939. Nonetheless, the mine has been managed by the Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden) since 1967, when it was designated a state asset.

One of the biggest gold mines in the world, the Mahd Al-Dhahab mine is thought to have a gold resource of over 4 million ounces. Averaging 180,000 ounces of gold and 600,000 ounces of silver each year, the mine produces both gold and silver.

Gold Mountains in Saudi Arabia

The Gold Mountains, also known as Mahd Al-Dhahab, are a group of hills in western Saudi Arabia, close to Medina. Rich gold reserves in the hills have been mined for many years and are well recognised for them.

The ancient gold mines of the Kingdom of Sheba are allegedly located in the Gold Mountains. It was visited by King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba in the Bible. Several sources claim that the Solomonic Temple in Jerusalem was decorated with gold from these mines.

Significant gold mining has taken place in the Gold Mountains in recent years, with the biggest and most well-known mine being the Mahd Al-Dhahab mine. Ma’aden runs the Mahd Al-Dhahab mine, which is situated in the centre of the Gold Mountains.

Other Gold Deposits in Saudi Arabia

Other than the Gold Mountains, Saudi Arabia has seen the discovery of several more gold resources.

One of these is the Al Amar mine, which is located in the Ar Riyadh province. The Bulghah mine, located in the Al Madinah province, is an additional.

Around 1 million ounces of gold are thought to be in the Al Amar mine’s reserve, while 1.4 million ounces are thought to be in the Bulghah mine’s reserve. Both mines are under Ma’aden’s management.

A few further minor gold discoveries may be found all across the nation, including in the Eastern Province and the Northern Border District.

These deposits are often smaller than the Mahd Al-Dhahab mine and other significant gold discoveries in the nation.

Saudi Arabia’s gold mining industry’s future

The mining sector in Saudi Arabia, which includes the gold mining sector, has made measures to develop.

The government launched a new mining policy in 2019 with the intention of increasing mining’s contribution to the GDP of the nation.

The new mining strategy aims to boost output of gold and other minerals while also luring in more foreign capital for the mining industry. A new regulatory framework for the mining industry has also been proposed by the government, and it is anticipated that this would give investors more certainty and transparency.

Saudi Arabia is looking at additional potential in the mining business in addition to fostering the growth of the gold mining industry. Other minerals, such as copper, zinc, and phosphate, have sizable deposits in the nation, and these resources are also being developed by the government.

It should not be used by those exempt from the provisions on the Labor Law under Article 7 of Saudi Labor Law. The end of service benefits for domestic workers is covered under separate legislation in Article 16 of the Domestic Workers Law under Saudi Labor Law.

Know more about How End of Service benefits are calculated for getting Awards, Rewards or Benefits form your Employer as per Saudi Labor Law.

End of Service Benefits Calculator

You can now calculate End of Service Benefits Award using the Official website of Labor Education and here are the steps:

1 – Open the Official website of Labor education (www.laboreducation.gov.sa)

2 – Go to ‘Rights and Duties‘ and under it Click ‘End of Service Award‘ from the drop-down menu

3 – You’ll see two options after going to this page

1. Amount and Conditions of the Award >> This will give you the details about the Amount & Conditions of End of Service Award
2. End of Service benefits calculation >> Go here To Calculate the End of Service benefits

You can also go to this link to do directly to the End of Service Benefits Calculator.

After getting to the page where you can see the Calculator, follow the below steps:

1. Select the ‘Type of Contract’
2. Select the ‘Reason for end of service’
3. Enter your ‘Salary’
4. Enter ‘Duration of Service’
5. Press ‘Amount’ Button

After pressing the Amount button, You will be able to see the Amount you’ll get for your End of Service benefits.

Employees working on Public sector who are covered in the provisions of executive regilations for Human Resources in the Civil Service will also have a holiday on Thursdat too, follwed by the Saudi Founding Day as per Article 128 of the regulations.

Saudi Arabia Founding Day

Understanding the Significance of Founding Day

On Founding Day, people celebrate how King Abdulaziz Al Saud brought the different parts of Saudi Arabia together to form the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This happened on September 22, 1932, and every year since then, it has been a national holiday. The day is a sign of national unity and pride, and the people of Saudi Arabia celebrate it with great joy.

Celebrations across the Kingdom

All over the kingdom, different events and activities take place on Founding Day. In Riyadh, the capital city, the day is marked by a military parade at which the king and other top officials take part. In other cities, traditional cultural events, like folk dances and music shows, show off the country’s rich cultural heritage.

How Expatriates Can Participate in the Celebrations

Expats who live in Saudi Arabia can take part in the Founding Day celebrations by going to cultural events and shows. Many cities also plan special events and activities for expats, like trips to historical sites and museums where they can learn more about the country’s rich history and culture.

Founding Day is an important holiday in Saudi Arabia, and it gives expats a chance to learn about the country’s rich culture and history. We want everyone, whether they live there or not, to join in the celebrations and show their support for this proud country.