Saudi Arabia introduces National Policy to eliminate forced labour

Saudi Arabia has become the first member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to ratify the 2014 Protocol to the Forced Labor Convention of the International Labour Organization and introduce a comprehensive National Policy to eliminate forced labor.

Announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the new National Policy for the Elimination of Forced Labor aims to address forced labour and achieve the country’s commitment to ensuring a safe and fair working environment. 

The policy aims to improve workplace safety and provide fair working conditions to all employees in line with international human rights standards. It adopts a broad approach to eliminate forced labor by preventing and providing enhanced protection for victims. It will also strengthen national, regional, and international coordination to better integrate efforts to combat forced labor. 

The policy also includes victim-focused initiatives to provide care, support, and access to justice to those in need.

“The introduction of the National Policy for the Elimination of Forced Labor is an important milestone for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It demonstrates our collective commitment to creating a safe environment for everyone living and working in our country, ensuring their rights are protected. The introduction of the National Policy also builds on our ongoing work to safeguard employees’ rights, in collaboration with global and local partners,” Deputy Minister for Control and Development of the Work Environment Sattam Alharbi said. 

More than 740,000 people are living in modern slavery in Saudi Arabia, the highest among 11 countries in the Arab States region, according to our Global Slavery Index. 

As part of the broader effort and in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals, Saudi Arabia will continue to work with international bodies, such as ILO, to improve the work environment in the country.

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