Job seekers alert: Saudi announces new employment rules

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia has approved new regulations for advertising job vacancies and training programs that lead to employment in the private sector.

According to a report by the Saudi Gazette, the ministry has also established procedures for conducting job interviews in the private sector.

Regulations for job announcements

Job vacancy announcements and interviews must not contain any form of discrimination, including those based on gender, disability, age, marital status, or other factors.

Read-Saudi’s business boost: Here are the latest tax exemptions

The ministry’s new rules prohibit brokering or advertising employment opportunities for Saudis unless the activity is licensed by the ministry and complies with regulations governing such practices.

Additionally, these regulations stress the need to obtain proper licenses for job fairs or public job invitations held outside workplace premises. Such events must be coordinated through the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority, in line with governing rules.

Compliance with professional standards

The ministry requires that advertised job roles align with the professions listed in the Saudi Standard Classification of Occupations. Job postings must be made through approved digital platforms, the company’s website, official social media accounts, or licensed job fairs.

Job advertisement guidelines

Key provisions of the regulations stipulate that job advertisements must include:

• A brief description of the company, including its name, business activity, headquarters, and work location.
• A clear description of the job vacancy, including the job title, responsibilities, required qualifications, and skills.
• Years of experience required, application procedures, working hours, job nature, benefits, and the application deadline.
• An electronic method for receiving job applications.

Employers must notify each applicant of the interview format (in-person, remote, or phone), date, and expected time at least three working days in advance.

Interview venues—whether inside or outside the facility—must be suitable for the number of applicants. They must be in visible, accessible locations with sufficient seating and desks, comply with occupational health and safety standards, and have security systems or guards, gender-specific restrooms, and drinking water.

Accommodations for persons with disabilities

For applicants with disabilities, employers must provide appropriate communication tools and ensure accessibility throughout the interview location. A job interview committee must be formed, comprising at least two Saudi individuals, including one human resources specialist. The committee may consult non-Saudi experts if necessary, provided they do not exceed half the committee’s members.

Restrictions on interview questions

The regulations prohibit interviewers from asking about personal freedoms or confidential details about previous employment. All interview outcomes must be documented for future reference.

Communicating interview results

Applicants must be informed of interview results through official channels within 30 days of the interview. If an applicant is not selected, the reasons must be communicated.