All resources: Saudi Arabia

New ILO programme set to advance social protection for migrant workers across the South Asia–Gulf corridor

The official launch of the STREAM Programme at the Second World Summit for Social Development marks a new stage in strengthening social protection for migrant workers and their families across the South Asia–Gulf corridor.

Second World Summit for Social Development

World leaders renew commitments to social protection for migrant workers across the Gulf, South Asia and Africa

A landmark gathering at the Second World Summit for Social Development united policymakers and social partners from the three regions to advance joint action on extending social protection to millions of migrant workers.

Saudi Arabia advances cooperative development through institutional strengthening and training

ILO supports the Cooperative Societies Council’s strategic strengthening and delivers the first national Training of Trainers on Think.COOP and Start.COOP.

New ILO factsheets reveal linkages between climate challenges and green job opportunities in the Arab States region

New ILO country factsheets present a concise overview on key employment, environment, and climate data for the Arab States region.

Fact sheet

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: The Employment, Environment, Climate Nexus Factsheet

Corridor Studies: Labour Migration in the Horn and East Africa: Uganda to Saudi Arabia, Kenya to Somalia, and Ethiopia to South Sudan...

This report is a collection of Corridor Studies focused on examining the governance and dynamics of three specific labour migration pathways in the East and Horn of Africa (EHoA): Uganda to Saudi Arabia, Kenya to Somalia, and Ethiopia to South...

ILO report

Navigating the digital and artificial intelligence revolution in Arab labour markets

The labour market in the Arab States is at a crossroads, facing persistent challenges while navigating a new era of digital transformation. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of these dynamics. It projects that while the risk of...

ILO report

Digitalization and artificial intelligence promise to boost jobs in the Arab States – but they must be managed inclusively

Report highlights need for policies that are inclusive for women, youth and vulnerable groups and ensure a just digital transition.

ILO and Digital Cooperation Organization forge partnership to advance inclusive and sustainable digital economies

The ILO and DCO sign a strategic agreement to address the impact of digital transformation on global labour markets. The partnership aims to promote decent work through digital skills, inclusive policies and support for youth, women and vulnerable...

Development cooperation programme

Saudi Arabia and ILO seal new phase of joint work to advance decent work reforms

The third phase of the development cooperation programme and two institutional agreements were signed to strengthen labour governance, social protection and worker rights, and support long-term cooperation.

FAIRWAY migration

ILO expands FAIRWAY programme to advance decent work for African migrant workers in the Arab States

New four-year initiative to support African migrant workers targets key sectors such as care and construction to address rights gaps and enhance regional cooperation.

Leaflet

Project Brief: The FAIRWAY programme phase 2

The FAIRWAY Programme Phase II is a four-year interregional development cooperation initiative, supported by SDC, that aims to improve conditions for migrant workers by strengthening labour migration governance in the labour migration corridor...

Policy Brief

Facilitating transition between social assistance and social insurance in the Arab Region: Conceptual framework and review of global good...

The Arab Region faces dual challenges: high labour informality (51%) and low social protection coverage (30–36%), exacerbating vulnerabilities. This study explores policy mechanisms to integrate social assistance and insurance systems, addressing...

Facilitating transition between social assistance and social insurance

Conceptual framework and review of global good practices for countries in the Arab Region

ILO Director-General calls for inclusive labour market reform amid global challenges

At the second Global Labour Market Conference, ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo highlights the urgent need for collective action to tackle decent work deficits and foster equitable opportunities worldwide.

Enterprise development

New programme to close digital gap for 15,000 small businesses

The United Nations in the Philippines launched a new joint programme to bridge the digital divide and boost the competitiveness of enterprises through improved connectivity and support from UN agencies, including the ILO and government partners.

Empowering employers for a sustainable and digital future in the Gulf Region

Groundbreaking initiative explores innovating the Desert Economy

Empowering stakeholders and forging multi stakeholders’ partnerships to transform deserts into sustainable hubs for growth.

Interview

Minister AlRajhi: increased Saudi-ILO cooperation fosters decent work, social justice and inclusive development

In an interview with the ILO, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Human Resources and Social Development H.E. Ahmad bin Sulaiman AlRajhi discusses the Kingdom's vision for its labour market and its joint development programme with the ILO.

Institutional assessment of Saudi Arabia’s Cooperative Societies Council: A path to strengthening cooperatives

In December 2024, the International Labour Organization (ILO) conducted a fact-finding mission as part of its institutional assessment of the Cooperative Societies Council (CSC), the Apex organization for cooperatives in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia...