Saudi Arabia launches insurance policy to protect expatriate workers

Saudi Arabia launches insurance policy to protect expatriate workers
Insurance is part of a package of measures introduced by the ministry to safeguard the rights of employers and employees. (Reuters/File)
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Updated 09 October 2024
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Saudi Arabia launches insurance policy to protect expatriate workers

Saudi Arabia launches insurance policy to protect expatriate workers
  • Authorities to enforce penalties for employers who fail to meet their obligations, official says

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the Insurance Authority have launched an insurance service that will cover unpaid wages for up to six months and provide travel assistance for expatriates in the Kingdom in the case of private sector defaults.

Director general of international communications and cooperation, Abdulrahman Al-Zaid, told Arab News: “The Expatriate Worker Wage Insurance Service for Private Sector Defaults is part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to protect both workers and employers, while enhancing the overall efficiency and appeal of the Saudi labor market.

“The initiative is designed to create a more secure labor environment, making Saudi Arabia a leading hub for international talent.”

The service covers specific benefits as outlined in the policy, allowing foreign workers in defaulting companies to receive their entitlements — within the financial limits of the policy — and provide a plane ticket to return to their home country, if they wish to do so, within the policy’s financial limits, he said.

Insurance is part of a package of measures introduced by the ministry to safeguard the rights of employers and employees.

Al-Zaid explained how the insurance policy works for the benefit of the expatriates: “In rare cases when wages are not fulfilled, this insurance service will cover unpaid wages and entitlements for up to six months, with a maximum compensation payout of SR17,500 ($4,661) provided the combined rights of all workers do not exceed the overall insurance coverage limit for the company.”

But this payout is contingent on 80 percent or more of the workers in the establishment not having received their wages or entitlements, per the ministry’s regulations.

The initiative is part of the ministry’s commitment to creating a fair and secure labor environment for employers and employees.
 
Affected workers who wish to return to their home countries will be provided with a travel ticket, with cover up to SR1,000 ($266).
 
Al-Zaid said a worker is entitled to a return ticket to their home country “if they wish to leave the country directly without transferring their services to another company and can provide proof of completing all necessary procedures for departure, such as obtaining an exit visa and proof of a travel booking to their home country.”

Private sector employees wishing to apply for the insurance policy can submit claims through the designated insurance company responsible for handling compensation claims.

The ministry will oversee the process to ensure compliance and smooth execution of the service.
 
The introduction of this service does not absolve employers of their responsibilities, and they will still be fully responsible for meeting their wage obligations.

“The ministry will continue to enforce strict measures, including penalties for employers who deliberately fail to meet their obligations,” Al-Zaid added. 
 
Abdul Ghaffar is an expat, originally from India, who has been living in the Kingdom for the past 24 years working as a senior consultant in talent development.

When asked if he had ever been affected by a company defaulting in Saudi Arabia, Ghaffar said: “I have never personally witnessed any instances where companies defaulted on paying my salary. But one of my close friends, who worked for a private construction company, was facing financial difficulties.

“The company delayed salaries for several months, causing significant stress for him and his family. It becomes very critical, especially (for) expatriates who rely on timely wages to support their families back home.”

He said that the situation was resolved but it took months for the individual’s account settlement and exit process. The case highlighted the vulnerability that expatriate workers face in such circumstances, he added.

The ministry and the Insurance Authority's new policy aims to protect expatriates from vulnerabilities such as these.

“I believe the new wage insurance policy is a positive step forward. It shows that the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development is taking the necessary steps to protect expatriates working in Saudi Arabia,” Ghaffar said. “This policy will not only provide financial relief to workers impacted by company defaults but also create a more secure and attractive environment for expatriates considering working in the Kingdom.”

Ghaffar said of the new policy that the “travel ticket assistance also reflects the ministry’s understanding of the needs of expatriates who might want to return home in such situations.”

He said he believes the new initiative will “enhance Saudi Arabia’s reputation as a fair and competitive destination for international talent.”

The insurance cover for eligible workers began on Oct. 6, 2024. 


Saudi Arabia, IMF host roundtable on supporting conflict-affected Middle East economies

Saudi Arabia, IMF host roundtable on supporting conflict-affected Middle East economies
Updated 17 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia, IMF host roundtable on supporting conflict-affected Middle East economies

Saudi Arabia, IMF host roundtable on supporting conflict-affected Middle East economies
  • Focus on Syria as meeting calls for international cooperation in supporting devastated populations
  • Finance leaders highlight wider regional consequences of prolonged instability

ALULA: Saudi Arabia’s Finance Ministry and the International Monetary Fund co-hosted on Sunday a high-level roundtable aimed at addressing economic recovery in conflict-affected countries in the Middle East, with a particular focus on the Syrian Arab Republic. 

The meeting, held on the sidelines of the inaugural AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, brought together regional finance ministers, the Syrian foreign minister, the managing director of operations at the World Bank Group, and representatives from international financial institutions and the Arab Coordination Group.

Following the discussion, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan issued a joint statement emphasizing the significance of international cooperation in rebuilding economies devastated by conflict, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

They stressed the urgency of addressing humanitarian needs and facilitating a durable recovery, underscoring the commitment of participating nations and institutions to pool their expertise and resources to support affected populations, SPA added.

Participants highlighted the wider regional consequences of prolonged instability, reinforcing the need for coordinated recovery efforts. Syria remained a focal point of the discussions.

As part of a collective strategy, attendees identified three priorities for supporting conflict-affected economies.

First, they agreed on the necessity of a continuous diagnostic process to assess each country’s unique challenges, humanitarian requirements, and reconstruction needs. This would include evaluating gaps in institutional frameworks, economic policies, and financial resources.

Second, they underscored the importance of enhanced capacity development, with an emphasis on scaling up IMF and World Bank initiatives to strengthen key institutions, particularly in fiscal, monetary, and banking sectors.

Lastly, they emphasized the mobilization of financial assistance from the global community, stressing the importance of securing coordinated support from international and regional development partners for reconstruction and humanitarian programs.

The IMF, World Bank, and Arab Coordination Group reaffirmed their commitment to working together within their respective mandates to facilitate economic recovery efforts in the region.

To enhance these efforts, they agreed to establish an informal coordination group that will oversee ongoing initiatives. Further discussions are scheduled to take place at the upcoming IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings, set to be held in Washington, from April 25-27.

The meeting saw participation from regional governments, international financial institutions, and high-level Syrian representatives, marking a significant step toward a collaborative and sustained approach to economic recovery in the Middle East.


SINDBAD Collective takes creativity for a road trip across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain

SINDBAD Collective takes creativity for a road trip across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain
Updated 17 February 2025
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SINDBAD Collective takes creativity for a road trip across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain

SINDBAD Collective takes creativity for a road trip across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain
  • Together, the aim of the SINDBAD Collective is to form a community of creatives who believe in breaking barriers, taking risks and making art more accessible

ALKHOBAR: If you were in the right place at the right time, you might have caught a glimpse of something unexpected — a vehicle led by eight art experts, transformed into a roving exhibition, rolling across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

From Feb. 6-20, the fourth annual exhibition of the SINDBAD Collective took to the road, turning highways into hallways and city streets into gallery spaces.

This year’s edition, “SINDBAD: On the Road!,” is a mobile exhibition that challenges the traditional idea of gallery spaces. The collective modified an existing vehicle with a custom extension, allowing the team to exhibit, collect and connect with creative communities throughout the journey. They started in Jeddah, their home base, and made stops in Riyadh, Alkhobar and Bahrain before returning to Jeddah for a final showcase.

Moving art was just one part of the journey; it was about redefining how and where art can be experienced. (Supplied)

The journey began with a pre-launch event in Jeddah on Feb. 5, featuring an open mic and pickup event at Wasl Art Space.

The road trip officially kicked off on Feb. 6, as the SINDBAD team set out for Riyadh. A car meet took place on Feb. 7, followed by a pickup and open mic at Lamaat and Beast House in JAX district on Feb. 8.

In Alkhobar, where Arab News met the fun and dynamic team, the event was held on a rooftop at Bohemia Art Cafe on Valentine’s Day. The vehicle wouldn’t fit for logistical reasons, so people had to climb the stairs to witness — and submit — art.

HIGHLIGHTS

• From Feb. 6-20, the fourth annual exhibition of the SINDBAD Collective took to the road, turning highways into hallways and city streets into gallery spaces.

• In Alkhobar, where Arab News met the fun and dynamic team, the event was held on a rooftop at Bohemia Art Cafe on Valentine’s Day.

• The journey then crossed into Bahrain, where Riwaq Art Space hosted an exhibition on Feb. 15.

The journey then crossed into Bahrain, where Riwaq Art Space hosted an exhibition on Feb. 15.

Every year, the collective hosts an open call, inviting artists and researchers to submit work that challenges traditional formats. (Supplied)

The adventure will return to Jeddah, where on Feb. 20 Naqsh Art Studio will host a final exhibition showcasing the collected works and research from the entirety of the trip.

But the journey won’t stop there. SINDBAD will also participate at the N.E.S.T. Book Launch in AlUla on March 13.

This year, the structure itself was a modular three-panel system, designed to collapse, adapt and cross boundaries — literally and figuratively. The journey wasn’t just about moving art; it was about redefining how and where art can be experienced. Each city hosted a mix of guerrilla-style pop-ups and community activations.

Moving art was just one part of the journey; it was about redefining how and where art can be experienced. (AN photo)

This year, the team introduced SINDBAD Radio, an online platform featuring open-mic performances, artist submissions and curated music playlists to accompany the journey.

“Whenever somebody submits a work, they come and record a voice note explaining it,” Abdullah Al-Amoudi, a co-founder of the collective, told Arab News. “We put it on SINDBAD Radio, so when you tune in, you hear their story.” The radio station also broadcast live updates from the road, allowing audiences to follow along as the team made their way across the Kingdom.

SINDBAD Collective was founded in 2021 in Jeddah by a group of artists, designers, curators and researchers who wanted to create a more inclusive and experimental art platform.

The SINDBAD has been collecting artwork, sharing music, and engaging with communities since Feb. 6. (Supplied)

Every year, the collective hosts an open call, inviting artists and researchers to submit work that challenges traditional formats.

“The space of SINDBAD is a space of discovery. It’s a space for learning. It’s a space to make mistakes,” said his sister Ahaad Al-Amoudi, a founding member of the collective. “We take most of the works that are submitted. We never say no to any work.”

Ahaad is an accomplished artist whose work addresses history and representation. She earned degrees in visual communication from Dar Al-Hekma University in Jeddah and a master’s degree in print from the Royal College of Art, London.

Safwan Fallatah, also known as Mista Safwan, is a music producer, photographer and filmmaker. (Supplied)

In her research about Saudi Arabia’s ethnography, Ahaad’s photography, video and print installations are meant to reinterpret historical renditions of a reforming culture.

Ahaad and Abdullah’s mother, Effat Fadag, is an associate professor of fine arts at the University of Jeddah and a multidisciplinary artist — and the biggest champion of the group.

Abdullah is a designer and artist trained in film and landscape architecture, and the co-founder of THIRD SPACE* Studio. Together, they form the core of the collective.

They chose the name SINDBAD because of its deep cultural resonance. “Everybody has a different memory of who Sindbad is, but he’s always journeying,” Ahaad explained. “That’s why we thought he fit really well. He’s young, he’s fresh, he’s journeying.”

For the SINDBAD team, this year was all about community-building. “There’s so much happening in Riyadh, in Bahrain, in Jeddah,” Ahaad said. “We wanted to create a bond where we’re coming to you in Alkhobar, but you’re also coming to us.”

The idea of an open, evolving exhibition resonated deeply with people.

“We got to Alkhobar, and we thought — Bahrain is close enough, right?” Ahaad recalled. “We can cross the border. We can take this even further.”

As they traveled, something unexpected happened: Artists started pulling out artworks from their pockets. “They would see the truck open, see the artworks inside, and then literally take pieces out of their pockets and hand them to us,” Abdullah said. “They were ready for it. Some would even go back home, grab their artworks, and return.” The trip became a testament to artistic spontaneity and inclusivity.

“A lot of young artists feel like they have to apply to an open call, that they have to be at a certain level,” the siblings said. “We’re trying to break that barrier. We want them to feel safe, to feel like they can showcase their work, even if it’s a work in progress or something they made years ago. It’s time for them to take that step.”

Since Feb. 6, the SINDBAD team has been on the road, collecting artwork, sharing music, and engaging with communities.

Abdullah, who drove the entire 15-hour stretch from Riyadh to Alkhobar, described it as part of the fun. “I enjoy it a lot,” he said. “We have a radio station this year with SINDBAD Radio. It’s curated, and we go live on Instagram. People can tune in and listen as we drive — ‘We’re coming, we’re passing through this city, we’re on our way to that city.’”

With each stop, SINDBAD brought new voices into the fold, proving that art isn’t confined to galleries — it’s everywhere.

Beyond the Al-Amoudi family, SINDBAD Collective includes a diverse group of artists and researchers.

Mohsin Ali is an architectural researcher and curator exploring post-colonial migration and decolonial processes through architecture. He is currently an assistant curator at Art Jameel.

Damon James Owen is a multidisciplinary artist and educator working in printmaking, publishing, and experimental media.

Manar Eissa is a graphic designer and illustrator whose nature-inspired art reflects her passion for storytelling.

Yasser Al-Zahrani is a production manager and art director specializing in Saudi Arabia’s contemporary art scene.

Safwan Fallatah, also known as Mista Safwan, is a music producer, photographer and filmmaker.

Together, the aim of the SINDBAD Collective is to form a community of creatives who believe in breaking barriers, taking risks and making art more accessible. And if you missed them this time, keep your eyes on the road. You never know when SINDBAD might roll through your city next.

 


Deputy foreign minister meets Russian ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Waleed Elkhereiji (R) and Sergey Kozlov in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Waleed Elkhereiji (R) and Sergey Kozlov in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Updated 16 February 2025
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Deputy foreign minister meets Russian ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Waleed Elkhereiji (R) and Sergey Kozlov in Riyadh. (Supplied)
  • The two sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji met with Ambassador of Russia to the Kingdom Sergey Kozlov in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation, as well as other topics of common interest, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of New Zealand to the Kingdom Charles Kingston on Sunday in Riyadh, where they engaged in cordial talks, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

 

 


Saudi minister Al-Jubeir discusses land reclamation, security at Munich conference

Saudi minister Al-Jubeir discusses land reclamation, security at Munich conference
Updated 16 February 2025
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Saudi minister Al-Jubeir discusses land reclamation, security at Munich conference

Saudi minister Al-Jubeir discusses land reclamation, security at Munich conference
  • Al-Jubeir said land safety is essential for achieving security and stability, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to combating desertification in partnership with the UN

MUNICH: The Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir took part in a key dialogue session on land reclamation and security at the Munich Security Conference on Sunday.

The session, organized in collaboration with the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and the Adelphi Research Foundation, addressed the link between land preservation and global stability.

Al-Jubeir said land safety is essential for achieving security and stability, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to combating desertification in partnership with the UN.

He highlighted the Kingdom’s leadership at COP16, which focused on the negative repercussions of land degradation and the need for sustainable solutions.

Al-Jubeir outlined Saudi Arabia’s local, regional, and international initiatives aimed at protecting land and addressing desertification.

He also called for strong international cooperation to tackle the cross-border challenges posed by land degradation and urged global policymakers to implement effective strategies to safeguard both the environment and security.


Saudi crown prince discusses regional developments with French President Macron

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron. (File/SPA/AFP)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron. (File/SPA/AFP)
Updated 16 February 2025
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Saudi crown prince discusses regional developments with French President Macron

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and French President Emmanuel Macron. (File/SPA/AFP)
  • During the call, areas of joint cooperation and regional and international developments were discussed

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

During the call, areas of joint cooperation and ways to enhance them were reviewed, and regional and international developments were discussed. 

The two officials also exchanged views on the latest developments and efforts made toward them to achieve security and stability.