Saudi Human Resources Issues Guideline for Remote Work in Private Sector

Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development issued on Tuesday temporary guideline for remote work in the private sector. This comes in line with the Kingdom's efforts to combat and curb the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The guideline includes terminologies, rights and duties of employees and employers in the sector, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

The guideline applies to institutions that can manage the productivity of remote work as well as supervise assigned functions.

Institutions must determine the method of remote work, including working hours and the mechanism of supervising the productivity.

The Kingdom also ordered the private sector to give two-week mandatory sick leave for pregnant women and employees with conditions that leave them vulnerable.

Gulf states have announced stimulus packages and incentives for the private sector to mitigate the impact on their economies from the outbreak, which has disrupted global travel and led to lockdowns in many countries.

Saudi Arabia also closed public spaces on Sunday and announced a pause in most government operations.