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

GENEVA (ILO News) – The Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the International Labour Organization (ILO) signed a new agreement on the sidelines of the 113th International Labour Conference to launch the third phase of their Programme of Cooperation, deepening their partnership to strengthen labour market governance and reform in the Kingdom.

The agreement, signed by ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo and Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) Ahmed AlRajhi, builds on the successes of ongoing collaboration and responds to national priorities aimed at strengthening labour market governance and promoting decent work.

© ILO/ Alioune Ndiaye

© ILO/ Alioune Ndiaye

This new phase will focus on seven key areas: promoting inclusive social dialogue and representation, ensuring fair recruitment and labour mobility of migrant workers, protecting the rights of domestic workers, expanding migrant workers’ access to fair judicial processes, improving social protection systems, strengthening occupational safety and health and supporting the adoption of a fair and non-discriminatory minimum wage system.

“This next phase of cooperation focuses on practical reforms to strengthen labour market institutions, improve working conditions and expand protections for vulnerable workers,” said Director-General Houngbo. “It reflects a shared commitment to advancing labour policies that are aligned with international standards and national priorities.”

Minister AlRajhi highlighted the importance of the programme to Saudi Arabia’s national strategy for economic diversification and social transformation. “Our renewed partnership with the ILO underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to a fair, inclusive and future-ready labour market,” he said. “Guided by Vision 2030, we have introduced wide-ranging reforms - from expanding labor mobility and wage protection to pioneering the first National Policy to Eliminate Forced Labour in the region, strengthening labor protections and promoting social justice at every level. As our labour market evolves, collaboration with the ILO helps us align with international standards and build a more sustainable and resilient future of work.”

The programme places particular emphasis on improving conditions for vulnerable workers, including migrant and domestic workers, who represent a significant share of the workforce in Saudi Arabia. It will also enhance the institutional capacity of Saudi worker and employer representatives, including the Saudi National Committee of Workers Committees and the Federation of Saudi Chambers.

In support of implementation, the ILO will establish a project team in Riyadh to provide technical assistance and coordinate activities with national stakeholders.

Extending over a two-year period, the new phase of the Programme of Cooperation will build on advancements achieved since 2018 during the first two phases of the Programme. Previous cooperation laid important groundwork for labour reform in Saudi Arabia, supporting the development of national employment policies, advancing occupational safety and health standards, strengthening social dialogue institutions and promoting fundamental principles and rights at work. The collaboration has contributed to improvements in female labour force participation, social dialogue mechanisms, skills governance and labour inspection systems.

In addition to the launch of the third phase of the Programme of Cooperation, the MHRSD and the ILO also signed two complementary agreements to support institutional capacity building. A Memorandum of Understanding was concluded to formalise Saudi Arabia’s participation in the ILO’s Junior Professional Officer (JPO) Programme, enabling young Saudi professionals to gain hands-on experience in international development through assignments at the ILO. Additionally, an agreement was signed to second three Saudi government officials to the ILO’s headquarters in Geneva for a period of up to three years, reinforcing knowledge exchange and technical cooperation between the two institutions.